common kitchen words (nouns) used in business

Full plate

Full workload, plenty to do

“Suzuki-san already has a full plate so someone else will have to manage the project.”

Also used: “Suzuki-san has a lot on his plate.”

Bowl over

Completely surprise

“Miyuki-san was bowled over by her manager's offer of a 30% salary increase.”

Fork out

Spend, usually unwillingly

“The accountant said he wasn't going to fork out millions for new computers this year so we'll have to keep our old ones for another year.”

Also used:“fork over”

Spoon feed

To over-simplify when teaching, (as if feeding a small child)

“Tell the new staff members to study at home because we won't spoon feed them beyond the first week on the job.”

Pan

To criticize strongly

“The politician's speech was panned by most of the media.”