Beginning a Project

Phrase to give permission to do something
give us the green light
When will the director give us the green light? We can hardly wait to start the new project.
Phrase to try very hard to please someone
bend over backwards
This is a key client and we promise to bend over backwards for them. It's important to satisfy their needs.
Phrase it is probable
odds are
So why the delay? Odds are our legal department wants more clarification in the contract agreement.
Phrase the time for something to be done is passing quickly so hurry up
the clock is ticking
The clock is ticking. The group wants a research plan next week but we can't begin until we get the OK!
Phrase stop doing something
throw in the towel
It sure will be frustrating if we don't get the go-ahead and have to throw in the towel!
Phrase for a very long time often to the point of pain or annoyance
till the cows come home
Hey, we can worry till the cows come home but better to be positive while we wait.
Phrase be overlooked or forgotten
slip our mind
Let's write out the ideas we've been talking about so they don't slip our mind.
Phrase surprise or impress somebody very much
knock their socks off
We're a great team. Whoever we end up working with I know we'll knock their socks off!