Learning how to say “no” politely is an essential communication skill in English—especially at work, in customer service, or in everyday conversations. Many learners worry about sounding too direct, but English has many soft, natural ways to refuse without hurting anyone’s feelings. In this week’s post, you’ll learn useful expressions, softening phrases, and real examples that help you say “no” clearly, kindly, and confidently.

Have you ever heard a strange phrase in an American workplace meeting and thought, “What does that even mean?” You’re not alone. Office English is full of idioms and expressions that don’t always match their literal words. In this post, we’ll break down 10 of the most common American workplace expressions so you can understand—and even use—them with confidence.