I usually try to avoid using idioms in a group setting, or with people I don't know very well. I also usually cringe when people use them. That said, I do find

I usually try to avoid using idioms in a group setting, or with people I don't know very well. I also usually cringe when people use them. That said, I do find them useful in private conversations. For example, in candid conversations with my manager I might say "Hey Boss, I think we've got a lot of bike shedding going on; folks on the team are eager to help, but they're attacking problems that they know how to solve first, not the problems that represent the biggest timeline risk." or I might say "Hey Boss, I know it looks like we're all off in the weeds on this project, but there's a lot of necessary Yak Shaving going on - I'd be happy to dig into some specifics/details if you like." ~ In private conversations with people you know/trust, some of these idioms are convenient shorthand.