Everyday Office Jargon · Managing Director level

"Trim the fat"

"Trim the fat" means to reduce costs, headcount, or scope by cutting what is considered unnecessary or inefficient.

Say this instead: cut costs

How "Trim the fat" shows up at work

A bloodless metaphor for a sharp decision. Used in budget reviews and restructuring conversations, often by the person who will not personally be trimmed. The vagueness of "fat" is the point: it lets the speaker avoid naming what actually gets cut.

Buzzword

Leadership wants us to trim the fat before the next budget review.

Plain English

Leadership wants us to cut costs before the next budget review.

Corporate Rank: Managing Director · Category: Everyday Office Jargon

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