What does “Scope creep” mean?
Work expanding beyond what was originally agreed, often without matching time or payment.
“One small extra has brought several friends.” — Arthur
What it means in practice
Small additions can gradually change the size, price or timing of a job. An extra report or another round of designs might be reasonable, but it still needs a decision about the extra work.
An example and a clearer version
We need to avoid scope creep.
We need to agree and price extra work before starting it.
What to say instead
extra work beyond the original agreement.
How to make the next step clear
Compare the request with the agreed work. Explain any effect on cost and timing, then agree how to handle it before proceeding. The phrase should start a useful conversation rather than dismiss a request.
Wording you can adapt
The wording around a phrase matters. Keep the names, dates, amounts and conditions from the original when you rewrite it.
Try “Scope creep” with Arthur →