LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine): The statement “Don’t mention the war” , from the sitcom Fawlty Towers, kicks into Van Dale. At work, too, we often use this phrase when a situation arises that we would rather not see mentioned. But there are even more historical one-liners.
1. There’s no ‘I’ in team
This statement comes from the sports world, where you have to achieve results as a team. Its oldest quote appeared in the 1960s in the American newspaper Daily Review and came from a pitcher on a baseball team.
2. Where’s the beef?
This one-liner came from a Burger King TV campaign in which three elderly people visited a competing fast-food chain and got their hamburgers there. A business plan or proposal for a new product that fell fundamentally short? Often during a crucial meeting they were asked one question: ” Where’s the beef?”.
3. Every disadvantage has its advantage
This comes from former top football player Johan Cruijff, who is also known for his statements that lie between genius and kicking in an open door. Very suitable for business: you can achieve something even in difficult circumstances.
4. Less is more
This has a very artistic direction. Although the idea also lingers in many other domains: with a minimum of resources you can achieve the maximum, such as in communication, product development or the length of texts.
5. We’re gonna need a bigger boat
This one-liner comes from the hit film Jaws in which protagonist Martin Brody comes face to face with the great white shark for the first time. The statement often crops up in the corporate world when someone indicates that he or she cannot cope with the current resources or budgets.
6. We want to buy that
This one-liner comes from a press conference by German Chancellor Angela Merkel when questions were raised about the high number of refugees Germany wanted to take in. In recent years, the statement has been used frequently and inappropriately, for example at meetings when questions are asked about the feasibility of a project. There is always an optimist who laughs and remarks: “We will buy that”.
7. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen
This statement also has a spiritual father from politics. It comes from US President Harry S. Truman. The meaning is clear: don’t get on with a task if the pressure is too much for you. If you can’t do it, leave the work to someone who can.
