Other idioms

Business Email to Staff

Colleagues,

We've all been so up to our necks in work that we've hardly had chance to catch our breath. Last year's poor performance was a real body blow after expectations had been so high. Thankfully we've managed to turn things around when it looked like we might have gone belly up!

Underperforming products have been given the elbow and some new blood has been introduced at boardroom-level to help energise everyone and bring in some fresh ideas.

This is a little heads up about what's on the horizon. To get a head start over our competitors, we've decided to launch our new product earlier than originally planned. We've all worked very hard to get where we are, and now we need to fight tooth and nail to make sure the product is a success.

After having our backs up against the wall recently, there is now light at the end of the tunnel. We are confident our new product will put us ahead of the pack.

Thanks for all your hard work,

Frank

Other idioms

Here is the meaning of two of the other idioms used above.

Turn things around - to cause a situation or organization to change in a positive direction

On the horizon - soon to happen.

Light at the end of the tunnel - Belief that a difficult or unpleasant situation will end.

Now decide the correct definition of the following idioms:

· 1 - Up to your neck:

Feeling sick
Moving things
Not enough
Deeply involved

· 2 - Catch your breath:

Enjoy good weather
Go to the gym
Stop for a short time to rest
See a doctor

· 3 - Body blow:

Big disappointment
Fully expected
Dangerous situation
Unusual situation

· 4 - Belly up:

Profit
Vacation
Bankrupt
Funny

· 5 - Give the elbow:

Reduce
Terminate
Improve
Sell

· 6 - New blood:

Vampires
Health checks
Medical workers
New people

· 7 - Heads up:

Advance notification
Business meeting
Serious warning
Secret information

· 8 - Head start:

New product
An advantage
New idea
Cheaper price

· 9 - Fight tooth and nail:

Make a huge effort
Beauty products
Work safely
Cancel holidays

· 10 - Backs up against the wall:

Very little power
A serious situation
A small team
A missed opportunity

· 11 - Ahead of the pack:

Stop something bad happening
Better position than rivals
Make new plans
An expensive decision

1. The lights are on but nobody’s home – used to describe a stupid person

Example: She really has no clue- the lights are on but nobody’s home!

2. When pigs fly – about something that will never happen

Example: Yea, right! You will get Taylor Swift to ask you on a date when pigs fly!

3. To have Van Gogh’s ear for music – to be tone deaf (Van Gogh only had one ear!)

Example: Xavi really shouldn’t play the piano- he has Van Gogh’s ear for music.

4. To pig out – to eat a lot very quickly

Example: After the marathon, the runners pigged out at a dinner buffet.

5. Everything but the kitchen sink – almost everything has been included

Example: Maria was trying so hard to get the question right, she was throwing out everything but the kitchen sink!

6. To put a sock in it – to tell someone noisy to be quiet

Example: Jane was yelling while I was studying so I told her to put a sock in it.

7. To have a cast iron stomach – to have no problems eating or drinking anything

Example: I think I would be sick if I ate all that food, but Joe seems to have a cast iron stomach.

8. To drink like a fish – to drink heavily

Example: The group at the bar seems to being having a party and you can tell he’s the birthday boy because he is drinking like a fish!

9. Use your loaf – use your head, think smart

Example: Come on Parker, use your loaf! I know you can solve this problem!

10. Finger lickin’ good – extremely tasty

Example: My mom makes the best steak! It’s finger lickin’ good!

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29