“Darmok” is one of the best single episodes of Star Trek ever written. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. You don’t need to be a Star Trek fan or have any prior knowledge to be moved by this episode.

In “Darmok”, our intrepid heroes are sent on a mission to make contact the Tamarians. Previous attempts at contact have failed, as the Tamarian Language just makes no sense. The words can be translated, but they have no meaning.

As the episode develops, we learn the language is based in metaphor. It’s a language of references, a language of memes. Without the required knowledge of the people, places, or situations, each phrase carries no impact. The communication is only clear within the context of the reference.

For those who haven’t watched the episode, “Shaka, when the walls fell” is a metaphor for failure, for something not working out as intended. Slip this phrase into your next meeting or group chat to find out who the Star Trek fans are in the office.