• Financial Education •
Business Chat Series - Advanced Business English Listening for Professionals
13 Feb 23
Audio
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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