Navigating the workplace can be a delicate art, especially when your boss insists on making decisions that defy all logic. You can’t actually say what you’re thinking—unless you enjoy updating your résumé—but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. With the right words and just the right amount of plausible deniability, you can express your disbelief, frustration, or sheer exhaustion while still sounding like an absolute professional.
The key is subtlety. A well-placed phrase can make your boss feel complimented while you and your coworkers exchange knowing glances across the conference room. Whether they’re rolling out a new “game-changing” initiative that’s doomed to fail or explaining something painfully obvious as if they discovered fire, these 10 phrases will help you get through the workday with your job—and your sanity—intact.
“Wow, that’s such a bold decision.”
Nothing says “I completely disagree with you” like calling something bold. It suggests that your boss has made a choice so reckless, so wildly uninformed, that it takes sheer audacity to commit to it. Try using the same tone you’d use when watching someone try to deep fry a frozen turkey indoors.
“You always have such… unique ideas.”
A compliment? Maybe. A backhanded slap? Definitely. “Unique” is the corporate way of saying “Wow, no one else in their right mind would have thought of that.” Just make sure to nod thoughtfully, as if contemplating the hidden genius of their truly baffling plan.
“I wouldn’t have thought to do it that way.”
And neither would anyone else with common sense. This phrase oozes with carefully concealed disbelief. It’s great for those moments when your boss comes up with an idea so counterproductive that you can’t believe it made it past their own internal monologue.
“You’re so good at keeping things… interesting around here.”
A true Swiss Army knife of a phrase. It can mean anything, which makes it so much fun. Are they unpredictable? A total chaos gremlin? Creating problems just to solve them? Whatever the case, this statement lets them believe they’re exciting instead of exhausting.
“I can’t wait to see how this turns out.”
Translation: I know this is going to be a train wreck, and I want a front-row seat. Use this when your boss rolls out a new initiative with the same amount of forethought as a toddler constructing a tower of blocks. It sounds supportive, but deep down, we all know the truth.
“I admire your confidence.”
The go-to response for when your boss is making a decision based on absolutely nothing. When they confidently lay out a plan with no data, no precedent, and no clue, this is your best way to say, “I don’t know how you live in such blissful ignorance, but it must be nice.”
Read More: 20 Phrases Sabotaging Your Speech: Drop Them Now!
“You explain that so well!”
For those moments when your boss spends 30 minutes over-explaining a concept that could have been covered in an email. Saying this lets them think they’re an expert, while subtly implying that no one else required this TED Talk in the first place.
Read More: 15 Awful Behaviors That Prove Your Boss Shouldn’t Be In Charge
“That’s one way to do it!”
Nothing stops a conversation quite like this phrase. It gently acknowledges the possibility that, yes, a decision has been made… but whether or not it’s the right decision? That’s another matter entirely. It’s the corporate version of shrugging and walking away.
Read More: You Might Be the WORST Boss if You Say These Phrases
“I wish I had your level of optimism!”
This is perfect for when your boss is wildly overestimating how well something is going to go. Are they launching an ambitious project with no budget, no plan, and no talent? Hit them with this. It works best when accompanied by an innocent smile.
Read More: 5 Signs of Toxic Leadership
“That’s a creative approach!”
When something is so bad that no other words will suffice, “creative” is your best friend. It hints at originality, but also suggests that no rational person would have gone in this direction. Works well in moments of sheer disbelief.
Read More: 10 Unspoken Ways Your Boss Shows Their Respect for You
