Vocabulary for Facing Problems

Question 1

Run into a snag

Answer 1

Encounter an unexpected difficulty or obstacle

E.g., The year-end reconciliation ran into a snag when several transactions were misclassified.

Question 2

On the back foot

Answer 2

At a disadvantage; having to react rather than take control

E.g., The team was on the back foot when the CFO challenged their cost assumptions mid-meeting.

Question 3

In over your head

Answer 3

In a situation that is too difficult or complex to manage

E.g., The junior analyst was in over his head trying to build a model for a business he didn’t understand.

Question 4

To have your work cut out for you

Answer 4

Be faced with a particularly difficult or demanding task

E.g., You’ll have your work cut out for you consolidating the P&L across three business units.

Question 5

Fall through the cracks

Answer 5

Be overlooked or neglected, often due to a lack of clear responsibility

E.g., Several accruals fell through the cracks during the transition to the new ERP system.

Question 6

Fall short

Answer 6

Fail to meet expectations, targets, or standards

E.g., Our forecast fell short due to lower-than-expected recurring revenue.

Question 7

Walk a fine line

Answer 7

To navigate or strike a balance between two sides, positions, or approaches

E.g., We’re walking a fine line between maintaining liquidity and investing in growth.

Question 8

Caught off guard

Answer 8

Surprised or unprepared for something unexpected

E.g., We were caught off guard when the auditors asked for detailed breakdowns from last year.