1. ‘In the same boat’
This idiom means that you are in the same situation or facing the same problem as someone else. For example, if you and your colleague are both struggling with a complex analysis, you can say, ‘We’re in the same boat.’ It shows empathy and solidarity.
2. ‘Oil the wheels’
When you ‘oil the wheels,’ you are making something run smoothly or facilitating a process. In a laboratory setting, it can refer to ensuring the equipment is well-maintained and functioning properly. It’s essential to ‘oil the wheels’ to avoid any delays or issues in the workflow.
3. ‘On the back burner’
If a task or project is ‘on the back burner,’ it means it’s not currently a priority and has been temporarily set aside. For instance, if you’re working on a research paper but have to focus on urgent experiments, you can say, ‘The paper is on the back burner for now.’ It implies that you’ll get back to it when you have more time.
4. ‘A drop in the bucket’
This idiom is used to describe something that is small or insignificant in comparison to the whole. In a laboratory context, it can refer to a small amount of a substance or a minor issue. For example, if you have a large sample to analyze and someone asks for a tiny portion, you can say, ‘That’s just a drop in the bucket.’ It highlights the relative size or importance.
5. ‘Up in the air’
When something is ‘up in the air,’ it means it’s uncertain or undecided. In a petroleum laboratory, it can refer to pending experiments, results, or even project plans. For instance, if a colleague asks about the timeline for a particular analysis, and it’s not yet determined, you can say, ‘It’s still up in the air.’ It indicates that a decision or conclusion hasn’t been reached.
6. ‘In the pipeline’
If something is ‘in the pipeline,’ it means it’s being planned or developed and will happen in the future. In a laboratory setting, it can refer to upcoming experiments, research, or even equipment acquisitions. For example, if a colleague asks about a new testing method, and it’s currently being worked on, you can say, ‘It’s in the pipeline.’ It suggests that it’s in progress and will be available soon.
7. ‘Under the microscope’
When something is ‘under the microscope,’ it means it’s being closely examined or scrutinized. In a petroleum laboratory, it can refer to the detailed analysis of a sample or the investigation of a process. For instance, if a supervisor asks about the quality control measures, you can say, ‘We have everything under the microscope.’ It implies that every aspect is being thoroughly assessed.
8. ‘In hot water’
If someone is ‘in hot water,’ it means they are in trouble or facing a difficult situation. In a laboratory context, it can refer to a mistake or an error that has serious consequences. For example, if a technician mishandles a hazardous substance, they can be ‘in hot water’ with both safety protocols and superiors.
9. ‘On thin ice’
When someone is ‘on thin ice,’ it means they are in a risky or precarious position. In a laboratory setting, it can refer to someone who has made repeated errors or is not following protocols. For instance, if a colleague is consistently not wearing the required protective gear, they can be said to be ‘on thin ice’ with safety regulations.
10. ‘In the loop’
If someone is ‘in the loop,’ it means they are informed or included in a particular group or communication. In a petroleum laboratory, it can refer to being updated about ongoing projects, changes, or important information. For example, if a colleague asks if you’re aware of a recent procedure update, you can say, ‘Yes, I’m in the loop.’ It indicates that you’re up to date.
