English Expressions, Business Terms, and Idioms

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key business English phrases, financial expressions, and everyday idioms from the lecture notes.

to impose something on somebody

To force an opinion, rule, or decision on another person.

a pile-up

A severe traffic accident involving multiple vehicles.

to breach the law

To break or violate legal regulations.

to have a side hustle

To hold an additional job or secondary income activity alongside main employment.

to spend money like water

To spend large amounts of money carelessly and freely.

to save money for a rainy day

To reserve funds for unexpected future emergencies or difficult times.

to capitalize on something

To take advantage of a situation or opportunity to gain a benefit.

to splash out on something

To spend a significant amount of money on a luxury or special item.

to haggle for a lower price

To negotiate or argue over a price in order to pay less.

to be in the red

To have a negative bank balance or operate at a financial loss.

to feather your nest

To enrich oneself or improve one's financial position, often by exploiting one's position or job.

tight-fisted

Unwilling to spend money; stingy or mean with finances.

to break even

To cover costs so that there is neither profit nor financial loss.

a slip of the tongue

An unintentional mistake made while speaking.

to get out of hand

To become uncontrollable or chaotic.

social lubricant

Something, such as small talk or alcohol, that helps people interact more easily in social situations.

to leave somebody in the lurch

To abandon someone in a difficult situation without help.

to play it by ear

To improvise or respond to events as they unfold rather than following a predetermined plan.

to find your feet

To become comfortable and gain confidence in a new environment or situation.

to cut to the chase

To get directly to the main point or important part without wasting time.

to call a spade a spade

To speak bluntly and directly about something, using plain language without sugarcoating.

case in point

A clear and specific example that illustrates or proves a general statement.

to tread lightly

To proceed carefully and with sensitivity in a delicate situation.

to drift apart

To gradually become less close in a relationship over time.

to level with somebody

To speak completely honestly and candidly with someone.

to speak straight from the shoulder

To talk directly and frankly without hiding any truth or using polite hesitation.

to rock the boat

To disrupt a stable situation or disturb the existing balance.

to iron out differences

To resolve disagreements or clear up minor issues through discussion.

to weigh in

To join a discussion or argument by contributing one's opinion or perspective.

right on the money

Completely accurate, correct, or precise regarding a matter.