Monday, March 9, 2009

Writing - Business Expressions (Part 1)

There are some common business expressions that you may hear (or read or write). Do you know what they mean? Like some other idioms that we've explored, they mean something different than if you tried to literally interpret them.

http://www.teacherjoe.us/BusinessExpressions01.html

Check out the 20 business expressions. Pick the 2 that you were least familiar with, come back here, and post the expression with its meaning.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

There are more than 2 that I have not heard.

Here are my 2 that I was least familiar.

800 pound gorilla - the biggest, most powerful group or company.

jump through hoops - trying very hard (like a dog doing tricks!).

Geraldine G.

Anonymous said...

The two that I was the least familiar with are:
1. At the 11th hour: Very late, at the very last minute.
2. (A rising tide that) lifts all boats: Something that helps all people or all groups.

Claudia E.

Anonymous said...

I am not familiar with four of them. I am glad I got to learn this.

800 pound gorilla: The biggest, most powerful group or company.

Lifts all boats: Something that helps all people or all groups.

At the 11th hour: Very late, at the very last time.

Carve out a niche: Find a special market that you can control.

Anonymous said...

I have many unfamiliar common business expressions.

Now, I pick two :

bring to the table:whatever you can possibly offer

carve out a nich: find a special market that you can control

suetto chan

NH said...

I was familiar with the meanings of many of these business expression, as well as heard many of them before, whether in television programs or in books. Some of these I could figure out there base meanings. A few of the expressions I wasn't exatly sure of their usages are:

10. "(draw) a line in the sand" - make final conditions that cannot be changed
Example: "We have to draw a line in the sand so they will see that this is really our final offer."

<<<<< When I read this expression I could of taken a guess but not an exact oguess for the business world. >>>>>
___________________________________

11. "free ride" - get benefit at no cost
Example: "Of course we should make them pay for our travel expenses. WHy should we give them a free ride?"

<<<<< Though the term "free ride" is kind of clear to almost anyone, I see now in a business sense it actual relates to recieving benefits (Yay!) at no cost and not just anything random. >>>>>

Anonymous said...

I am familiar with most.

learning curve-how much time needed to learn something.

800 pound gorilla-the biggest, most powerful group or company.

Gm