Communication

Business Idioms

Belt-Tightening

Means the reduction of expenses;

Example: When worldwide demand for software decreased, Microsoft had to do some belt-tightening.


Cash Cow

Means a product, service, or business division that generates a lot of cash for the company, without requiring much investment;
Example: With strong sales every year and a great brand name, Mercedes is a cash cow for DaimlerChrysler.


(to) Climb the corporate ladder

Means an advancement in one's career; the process of getting promoted and making it to senior management;
Example: You want to climb the corporate ladder? It helps to be productive and to look good in front of your boss.

Dog-eat-dog world

Means a cruel and aggressive world in which people just look out for themselves;
Example: Your company fired you shortly after you had a heart attack? Well, it's certainly a dog-eat-dog world!

Curiosity:
Origin: This expression dates back to the 1500's. Wild dogs were observed fighting aggressively over a piece of food. The connection was made that people, like dogs, often compete aggressively to get what they want.

(to) Dot your i's and cross your t's

Means to be very careful; to pay attention to details;
Example: When preparing financial statements, accuracy is very important. Be sure to dot your i's and cross your t's.


(to) Jump the gun

Means to start doing something too soon or ahead of everybody else;
Example: The company jumped the gun by releasing a new product before the results of the consumer testing were in.

Curiosity:
Origin: A runner "jumps the gun" if he or she starts running before the starter's pistol has been fired.

(to) Keep one's eye on the prize

Means to stay focused on the end result; to not let small problems get in the way of good results;
Example: I know it's difficult going to class after work, but just keep your eye on the prize. At the end of next year, you'll have your MBA.


Nothing ventured, nothing gained

If you don't try to do something, you'll never succeed.
Example: It's risky to spend so much money developing a new brand, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.


(to) Pass the buck

Means to shift the blame; to blame somebody else;
Example: It's your fault. Don't try to pass the buck!

Curiosity:
Origin: This expression comes from the world of poker. In the nineteenth century, a knife with a buckhorn handle (the "buck") was passed to the next dealer when it was his turn to give out the cards.

Shape up or ship out!

Means to improve your behavior or leave; if you don't improve your performance, you're going to get fired;
Example: Martin finally had enough of Todd's negative attitude. "Shape up or ship out!" he told Todd.

Curiosity:
Origin: This expression was first used in the U.S. military during World War Two, meaning: you'd better follow regulations and behave yourself ("shape up"), or you're going to be sent overseas to a war zone ("ship out").


(to) Step up to the plate

Means to take action; to do one's best; to volunteer;
Example: We need somebody to be in charge of organizing the company holiday party. Who'd like to step up to the plate and start working on this project?


Yes man

Means an employee who always agrees with the boss or does whatever the boss says
Example: Don't expect Larry to argue with the boss. He's a yes man.