Business ldioms(C-E)

Call it a day

When someone calls it a day, it means they have finished with the current action or activity being undertaken. This usually follows a realization or understanding that something is not as successful or profitable as it should be, and the decision to call it a day is made in order to reduce further losses and/or prevent more damage taking place.

A: How’s the business, Rebecca?

B: I think we’re going to call it a day, Stuart. It’s been too much of a struggle for too long; we’re going to start again somewhere else.

Call the shots

To call the shots is to be in control of a situation or operation. In other words, this phrase would apply to a manager who serves as the overall decision-maker regarding an operation’s progress. The term is military in origin and comes from marksmanship training where a marksman could “call” his shot if he was successful in hitting it on target.

A: Everybody listen up; I’m calling the shots on this investigation now, which means you do what I say, or you face the consequences.

B: When did Miranda put you in charge? I haven’t seen an email passing responsibilities over to you.

Can’t quite put my finger on it

If you can’t quite put your finger on something, then you are unable to explain a feeling about a person or thing. Usually used in a negative context, it means that you know something is wrong, or odd, but you don’t know exactly what it is, and you cannot grasp the detail of what it is you are unsure of.

A: What was it like in there?

B: It was strange. I knew there was something wrong with the place as soon as I got there, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I still don’t know what it was.

Cash cow

A cash cow is a business, product, or investment that brings in a steady and healthy income and profit. The phrase comes literally from cows, which can continue to be milked after having given birth once. Cash cow has overtaken its predecessor “milch cow” in popularity and usage. Both phrases mean the same thing and can be expected to be heard in less formal business settings.

A: That laundry business you inherited is turning into quite the cash cow, honey. You’re not thinking of selling it?

B: Of course not. I want to expand on it so that it brings us even more profit!

Cash in your chips

In business terms, to cash in your chips is to sell something for what you can get in the moment because you expect its value to fall. More generally, the phrase can also be used to refer to someone dying. The phrase comes from gambling, and refers to gamblers exchanging their chips (small tokens) for their appropriate cash value.

A: Have you been watching the news reports on channel five? It’s not looking good out there, Georgia.

B: I know, I’ve told everyone to cash in their chips now and hope for the best.

Catch someone off guard

When someone is caught off guard they are surprised somehow. Off guard suggests unprotected and unprepared, and synonyms for the phrase include catch someone by surprise, catch someone unaware, and surprise someone.

A: I’m going to find out what their expansion plans are. I’m not sure how, but I’m going to find out.

B: Catch them off guard with a difficult question at the opening tomorrow. I think that’s your best chance of getting a genuine answer.

Caught red-handed

To be caught red-handed is to be caught in the act of doing something wrong, or dishonest, with the evidence there for all to see.

A: Pat, it’s not what you think. I didn’t know you wanted the promotion too!

B: Don’t lie to me, Eve. I caught you red-handed; I heard exactly what you were saying about me.

Cave in

To cave in is to submit to pressure and do what someone is asking or requesting of you, usually after you have made it clear that you do not wish to do so. In its literal sense, a cave-in is the collapse of the ceiling of a natural or man-made cave. In business terms, its meaning is similar, but it is an opinion or position that is collapsing and giving way rather than the physical roof.

A: What happened during the disciplinary hearing yesterday?

B: As expected, Mort and Jez caved in to pressure from the board and Livvy was given a warning. But, no further action will be taken.

Change of pace

A change of pace is a change in the speed or intensity of a process or project. The phrase can also be used to refer to changing from the familiar to something less known and/or foreign. Changes to routine and activities can be referred to as changes of pace. For example, the introduction of new working hours, duties, or responsibilities represents a change of pace.

A: You’ve been coming home from work much more tired than you used to, Nick.