1. A number of different approaches are being tried. = We have no clue and are trying things at random.

2. Preliminary operational tests were inconclusive. = It failed the smoke test.

3. Test results were extremely gratifying. = It didn't blow up, and we were very surprised.

4. The entire concept will have to be abandoned. = The only person who understood the thing quit.

5. Teamwork is essential. = Let's spread the blame as widely as possible.

6. I'd like your input on this. = I'm looking for someone to take the fall for this project, and you look like a sucker.

7. The project has gone into alpha testing. = It doesn't work, and it only blows up occasionally.

8. The project has gone into beta testing. = It still doesn't work, but it no longer blows up (well, at least under "normal" conditions).

9. This is a new generation design. = The old design didn't work, maybe this one will.

10. This product has been thoroughly field tested. = We didn't have the proper test equipment, so we shipped it and hoped the customers wouldn't blow it up.

11. Developed after years of intensive research. = It was discovered by accident.

12. The design will be finalized in the next reporting period. = We haven't started this job yet, but we've got to say something.

13. Hardware is done. = It's software's fault.

14. Software is done. = It's hardware's fault.

15. System is ready for delivery. = We give up.