tight on staffing

   Share on Facebook  
New2grammar  #545815  Thu, 24 Jul 08 10:16 AM
We're tight on staffing.

What's the meaning of tight on staffing? Could you help me picture how the word tight fits in staffing. I can't imagine how they fit together.

Thanks.

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006
Veteran Member (7,670)
Who wants to go sailing around the world with me?
Marius Hancu  #545843  Thu, 24 Jul 08 12:22 PM
they may have not enough workers

 

  
Top 10 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Apr 26 2006
Montreal, Canada
Veteran Member (11,673)
Proficient Speaker
optilang  #545887  Thu, 24 Jul 08 01:48 PM
I see two possible meanings here.

1. As MH said - they may not have enough members of staff.

Thing's are a bit tight financially, at the moment -  I only just about have enough money for my needs at the moment.

2. Tight can be used in the sense of strict control.

We're tight on staffing at the moment - we are watching very closely to make sure that everything is as it should be - number of staff, behaviour of staff members etc .

Some places are tight on security = they have strict security measures in place which are adhered to.


 
  
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on Tue, May 13 2008
Poland
Senior Member (2,175)
Proficient Speaker
OptiNative British English Speaker Wherever I may roam, I'm still a Londoner.
New2grammar  #546140  Fri, 25 Jul 08 06:44 AM
Thanks, MH and Optilang. Great explanation, Optilang.
  
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service