Corporate Vocabulary Field Guide

What “In the Weeds” Actually Means

Deeply immersed in operational detail, often to the exclusion of the bigger picture.

What it actually means
You are showing me detail I do not want to see.
Surface meaning: Deeply immersed in operational detail, often to the exclusion of the bigger picture.
If someone just said “In the Weeds” in a meeting, here is what they probably meant, what to do about it, and how to keep your sanity.
In the wild
VP: I don't want to get in the weeds. (Decision made without facts.)
How to respond

Ask: 'Which decisions can you make without the weeds?' Often: none. The weeds were the point.

Origin

Restaurant kitchen slang, late 20th century, for being overwhelmed by orders.

FAQ
What does "In the Weeds" actually mean?
You are showing me detail I do not want to see.
Where did the phrase "In the Weeds" come from?
Restaurant kitchen slang, late 20th century, for being overwhelmed by orders.
How should I respond when someone says "In the Weeds"?
Ask: 'Which decisions can you make without the weeds?' Often: none. The weeds were the point.
Related corporate vocabulary
Drill Down→Deep Dive→30,000-Foot View→Double-Click→Action Item→
Next in the glossary
Keep Me in the Loop→Drink from the Firehose→Eat Your Own Dog Food→

The email version of this phrase is in your inbox right now.

The Email Relevance Checker tells you whether that thread ever needed you on it.

Open the Email Relevance Checker →
Copied