What they really mean
Cautions against scope creep or overly ambitious plans. Advocates for a focused, achievable approach rather than trying to solve everything at once.
Example Usage
"We don't need to boil the ocean here. Let's solve the highest-leverage part of the problem first."
Writing Tip
When using this phrase, propose a specific reduced scope or first milestone. Pointing out what to cut is most helpful when paired with a recommendation for where to start.
Related Phrases
A workplace phrase that defers a discussion to a later time. Often used to table a topic that needs more context, buy-in, or simply more time to resolve.
A polite way to decline additional work or commitments by framing capacity as a finite resource. Widely understood as a professional boundary-setting phrase.
Acknowledges that multiple decision-makers have different priorities and need to reach consensus before moving forward. A common step in enterprise decision-making.
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