Military Metaphors in Business Vocabulary

personnel actively present in a situation

“We need boots on the ground to assess the market.”

Origin: Military term for deployed infantry

doing difficult, hands-on work

“She's in the trenches with the team every day.”

Origin: From World War I trench warfare

to be ruthless and uncompromising

“The new CEO takes no prisoners.”

Origin: From refusing quarter to surrendering enemies

motivating a team or organization

“The manager spent the morning rallying the troops.”

Origin: From military assembly calls

proven through difficult experience

“Our battle-tested processes handle any crisis.”

Origin: From military equipment validation

to maintain a position while others are away

“Can you hold the fort while I'm at the conference?”

Origin: From defending a military fortification

being attacked or criticized

“The CEO is under fire from shareholders.”

Origin: From being shot at by enemy forces

to gain advantage by circumventing opposition

“We outflanked competitors with our pricing strategy.”

Origin: From attacking the enemy's side

destroying assets to prevent competitor advantage

“The departing executive pursued scorched earth tactics.”

Origin: From military strategy of destroying resources

a dedicated space for crisis management or planning

“The team gathered in the war room for the product launch.”

Origin: From military command centers