English idioms to level up your tech talk

The world of technology loves a good buzzword (remember when everyone was obsessed with "disrupting" things?). But some expressions have stood the test of time, despite all the trends that fade as fast as outdated software. If you want to describe breakthroughs, innovation, and staying ahead of the curve, you'll need a few solid idioms to help you talk the talk. Let's go over a few that will make you sound like you know your stuff

Cutting-edge

If something is cutting-edge, it's the latest and most advanced of its kind. Whether it's technology, research, or design, this phrase describes things that are leading the way or more advanced than others.

For example:

"This new AI tool is cutting-edge — it does things no other software can."

"Their lab is working on cutting-edge cancer treatments that could change medicine."

"The company's cutting-edge approach to robotics puts them ahead of the competition."

Behind the times

Something is behind the times when it's outdated or no longer keeping up with modern trends. It can refer to old technology, outdated ideas, or even people who refuse to adapt.

For example:

"Without the latest update, your system is behind the times."

"That company is behind the times when it comes to remote work."

"My dad still buys DVDs instead of streaming. He's really behind the times!"

Pushing the envelope

To push the envelope means to go beyond what's normally possible and take things to the next level. It's often used to describe innovation, creativity, or major developments in a field.

For example:

"This new phone design really pushes the envelope in terms of technology."

"The artist keeps pushing the envelope with bold and unexpected ideas."

"Their latest project is pushing the envelope of what AI can do."

On the same wavelength

If people are on the same wavelength, they think alike or understand each other easily. It's often used to describe good teamwork, shared ideas, or strong connections.

For example:

"We're always on the same wavelength, so we don't even have to explain things to each other."

"The best creative teams are on the same wavelength from day one."

"Fortunately, she and her co-founder are on the same wavelength about the company's future."

Wired in

If someone is wired in, they are completely focused and in the zone. People use this phrase a lot in tech and creative fields when they need to concentrate fully.

For example:

"He was so wired in while coding that he didn't even hear the phone ring."

"During the final hours before launch, the whole team was wired in."

"Once I put on my headphones and start working, I'm wired in for hours."

You don't need cutting-edge gadgets to keep up with tech talk — sometimes, the right words are enough. Now you've got five new ones to add to your vocabulary.

With these idioms on your radar, keep an ear out for them in tech conversations. Or jump ahead and hear them used naturally with our Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs.