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• Financial Education •

Business Chat Series - Advanced Business English Listening for Professionals

13 Feb 23


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Key Points

Listed below are all the phrases used throughout this episode focussed on Financial Education.

 

Seminal

 

Meaning: Seminal work is work that strongly influences later developments.

Business Example: Steve Jobs's innovative design for the iPhone was a seminal work that reshaped the entire mobile phone industry.

 

 

Gateway

 

Meaning: A gateway product is something which is normally the first experience of something, leading to increased engagement in that particular field.

Business Example: For many people, buying a budget laptop is a gateway into the world of computing, encouraging them to explore more advanced technologies later on.

 

 

The Way Money Moves Through a Business

 

Meaning: This expression refers to what happens to money within a business or financial structure.

Business Example: Understanding the way money moves through a business is crucial for creating effective financial strategies and cash flow management.

 

 

To Dig Into

 

Meaning: To investigate or investigate further.

Business Example: We need to dig into these quarterly sales figures to understand why there was a sudden drop in revenue.

 

 

The Wider Space

 

Meaning: A more objective view of something, incorporating or involving more things; not a narrow view, but a wider view.

Business Example: Looking at the wider space of the global market allows a company to identify new opportunities and threats outside its immediate environment.

 

 

To Touch on Something

 

Meaning: To briefly talk about something.

Business Example: During the meeting, the CEO touched on the new marketing strategies but promised more details in the coming weeks.

 

 

To Cut Someone Off

 

Meaning: To interrupt someone.

Business Example: I was explaining the new proposal, but my colleague cut me off to emphasise an urgent issue.

 

 

To Pass On Something

 

Meaning: To give or donate something to someone, especially to a friend or family member.

Business Example: After retiring, the founder passed on his shares in the company to his children.

 

 

To Put Money in Your Pocket

 

Meaning: If something puts money in your pocket, it earns you money.

Business Example: Investing in renewable energy technologies not only helps the environment but can also put money in your pocket through government incentives.

 

 

Top of the Range

 

Meaning: Best in class; the very best within a particular field.

Business Example: Our new product line is top of the range, offering advanced features and unparalleled performance.

 

 

Similarly, Along the Same Line, Along the Same Vein

 

Meaning: Expressions used to convey similar thoughts, concepts, and ideas.

Business Example: Our company prioritises innovation, and similarly, we seek to hire employees who thrive on creativity and new challenges.

 

 

To Take Money Out of Your Pocket

 

Meaning: Something that costs you money.

Business Example: The new tariff imposed by the government is taking money out of our pockets, increasing production costs.

 

 

Brass Tacks

 

Meaning: The basics of something without sugarcoating any details.

Business Example: Let's get down to brass tacks and discuss the essential elements of this project without distractions.

 

 

To Throw One's Hands Up

 

Meaning: To be outraged, complain, or dispute something.

Business Example: The sudden change in regulations made many business owners throw their hands up in frustration.

 

 

To Be on the Back Foot

 

Meaning: To be in a position of disadvantage.

Business Example: After a PR scandal, the company found itself on the back foot, struggling to regain consumer trust.

 

 

To Dive Into

 

Meaning: To go into more detail.

Business Example: We need to dive into this issue to understand the underlying causes and potential solutions.

 

 

Controversy

 

Meaning: A heated discussion.

Business Example: The CEO's remarks sparked controversy, leading to debates among stakeholders and the media.

 

 

To Be in One's Best Interests

 

Meaning: A thing that would probably be beneficial to you in some way.

Business Example: It would be in our best interests to settle this legal matter quickly to avoid further reputational damage.

 

 

To Have a Clouded Understanding of Something

 

Meaning: To have an unclear understanding of something.

Business Example: Without proper communication, employees might have a clouded understanding of the company's goals and values.

 

 

No-Brainer

 

Meaning: A decision you don't need to think about.

Business Example: Choosing to invest in employee training was a no-brainer, as it directly contributes to productivity and morale.

 

 

The Contrary

 

Meaning: The opposite.

Business Example: Despite market predictions, our sales have shown the contrary, with consistent growth each quarter.

 

 

To Drown in Debt

 

Meaning: To be in a lot of debt, barely surviving.

Business Example: After several failed investments, the company began to drown in debt and had to seek financial assistance.

 

 

Financially Illiterate
 

Meaning: Not having a good understanding of basic personal finance.

Business Example: A financially illiterate workforce can lead to employees struggling with personal finances, potentially affecting their overall well-being and work performance.

 

 

Titans of Industry

 

Meaning: The main players in a particular space.

Business Example: Titans of the tech industry, like Google and Apple, continue to shape the digital landscape with their innovations.

 

 

Insidious

 

Meaning: Something that moves slowly but has disastrous effects.

Business Example: The insidious spread of disinformation can undermine trust in a brand and damage its reputation.

 

 

To Wrap Up Something

 

Meaning: To bring something to a close.

Business Example: We managed to wrap up the negotiations successfully, securing a beneficial agreement for both parties.

 

 

Fragmentation

 

Meaning: To break into smaller or different parts.

Business Example: Market fragmentation has created opportunities for niche players to thrive in specialized segments.

 

 

To Be Fit for Purpose

 

Meaning: If something is fit for purpose, it is useful.

Business Example: This new software tool is fit for purpose, enhancing our team's efficiency and collaboration.

 

 

To Be Spurred On

 

Meaning: To be encouraged by something.

Business Example: Our team was spurred on by the positive customer feedback, motivating us to work even harder on the next project.


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Rob@thebusinessenglishpodcast.com

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