Office phrases that drive us mad

London, August 24 (ANI): An average worker is left irritated at least 10 times a day by rubbish phrases like 'touch base' and 'close of play', researchers say.

According to a new study, one in five employees admit taking on the role of 'office waffler' in a misguided attempt to impress their colleagues.

Much like the character of David Brent played by Ricky Gervais in the hit sitcom 'The Office', a surprising 16 percent even believe it improves their chances of promotion.

The study found a third of those questioned daily used the phrases 'it's a no-brainer' and 'thinking outside the box', which were among the most frequently-used office jargon.

Another quarter annoyed their workmates by trotting out 'at the end of the day', 'it's a win-win situation', 'touch base' and 'going forward', while one in five urged colleagues to 'give 110 percent' despite it being mathematical impossible.

Almost half of workers, 47 cent, say they lose respect for colleagues when they hear them using the 'flowery' phrases and a quarter of Brits - 24 percent - insist they have 'no real meaning in the workplace'.

Other annoying phrases heard daily across the country include 'close of play', 'it's on my radar' and 'flagging up'.

The top 10 most common business jargon phrases are:

It's a no-brainer - 32 percent use this at least once a day

Thinking outside the box - 30 percent

At the end of the day - 26 percent

It's a win-win situation - 26 percent

Touch base - 25 percent

Going forward - 24 percent

110 per cent - 21 percent

Close of play - 20 percent

It's on my radar - 19 percent

Flagging up - 19 percent (ANI)