Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[karenne]

Hi ya,

I'm doing an experiment in on-line learning via a blog called "How to Learn English (http://how2learnenglish.blogspot.com).

I would like to gather up a good list of business idioms so you'll be helping me a lot if you can list the ones you really like

really don't like

and

really don't understand.

Thanks and looking forward to your replies

Karenne

[dragn]

Hi Karenne,

Here are three that I always liked:


1. to play hardball

If someone is playing hardball, they are using particularly aggressive or confrontational tactics to get what they want in some situation, such as a business negotiation. They are prepared to deliver strong ultimatums to the opposing side, while showing no signs of backing down.

This expression comes from the distinction between the games of softball and baseball. In softball, a larger, relatively softer ball is used and so is considered by many young American boys as a game for girls (or sissies). Hardball refers to the fact that regular baseball uses a smaller, harder ball and is thus seen as being a more masculine enterprise.

Ex. ABC Company is demanding a 20% discount on this deal, and they say if we don't give it to them they'll cancel their contract and go with our competitor. They're really playing hardball.


2. to have a lot on your plate

If someone has a lot on their plate, they are currently very busy with many tasks or projects. If someone says this about themselves, they may feel as though they are overworked and can't handle any more items being assigned to them.

The reference is to having a plate loaded with food (that you are expected to finish, of course).

Ex. I hope the boss doesn't ask me to take over that new account for Jenkins while he's on vacation...I already have a lot on my plate.


3. to run st up the flagpole

If you have an idea or a proposal of some kind and you run it up the flagpole, you discuss it with several other relevant people to see what they think. You usually just want to get a general sense of whether they like the idea or not.

The reference is simply to raising a U.S. flag. When the American flag is raised, all those present are expected to show their respect by standing at attention and (optionally) placing their hand over their heart, or saluting if they are in military uniform. Incidentally, this idiom sometimes appears as to run st up the flagpole and see if anybody salutes it.

Ex. I have a great idea for a slogan for our new product line! I'm going to run it up the flagpole at the meeting tomorrow.

dragn

[karenne]

These are great! Thanks dragn.

I have been writing about idioms on the blog (some with video)!

http://how2learnenglish.blogspot.com/search/label/idioms

Does anyone have anymore that they'd to share or would like me to explain on the blog? Don't hesitate to let me know.

Karenne
_________________
Best,
Karenne
http://how2learnenglish.blogspot.com

[Brian Boyd]

to be in the loop - to be aware of what's going on, to be involved

put all your cards on the table - no more secrets, tell the facts straight

blue sky - I think this means to think about how you would like to do something if time, money and other resources weren't limited

touch base with someone - get in contact with someone ... and maybe get up to date on their news or update them on your news

marching orders - when you give someone their marching orders, you fire them
_________________
'
Comics for students ...

http://www.grammarmancomic.com

.