(1). A time at which a participant in a conference call or meeting needs to leave, usually due to dinner reservations or a tee time.
“We’ve got a hard stop at 11, team, it’s Bagel Friday!”
Hard Stop
RANDOM LINGO
Cut the Cord
(1). To split from a long-standing relationship (like, with a mentor or some other guy you’ve been cowering behind since you got here).
“Hey, Steve, got a minute? Wanted to talk to you about possibly taking over some accounts on your own. You and Gary make a great team, but I think you’re ready to spread your wings a bit. Got to cut the cord at some point, right?”
Shift Gears
(1). A racing-inspired term for changing the subject during a meeting or conference call, usually used when the discussion has drifted into uncomfortable territory for one or more participants and they wish to bring it back to a more friendly or positive topic.
“Okay, why don’t we shift gears here and get back to the holiday promotion. I don’t like where this ‘you guys don’t pay your bills’ conversation is going.”