Business ldioms(I-L)

小注释:推荐一人一段，见大字换人，对话中B角色可由右侧顺推麦序帮搭,

In a nutshell

To put something in a nutshell is to condense it to its basic facts, into as small and concise a form as possible, without losing meaning or importance. You might hear this phrase spoken when speakers need to explain something very quickly, due to time constraints or to reduce the complexity of an issue or idea.

A: So, tell us more about how the system analyzes user traffic. How does it organize each user?

B: In a nutshell, sir, it organizes them by age, location, ethnicity, and gender. But those categories have many, many subcategories.

In for a penny, in for a pound

If someone is in for a penny, in for a pound, then they are willing to see a project through to the end and put every effort into it to ensure that it succeeds. When this expression is used, the speaker is usually unconcerned with how much time, money, or effort will be expended; rather, they want to ensure the project is finished.

A: You’re really putting everything into getting this swimming pool plan approved, Martina. Make sure you don’t overwork yourself.

B: In for a penny, in for a pound, Pete. I want to do my best because I’ll be here to reap the consequences.

In full swing

When something is in full swing, it is in progress—usually at an advanced stage. Outside of the business environment, everything from parties to weather events can be described as being in full swing. Within the world of business, meetings, presentations, conferences, and speeches may be referred to as being in full swing. Really, any event which lasts for a substantial amount of time can get into full swing.

A: I got there late. The meeting was in full swing. It was so embarrassing.

B: Did everyone turn to look at you?

In hot water

If you are in hot water, then you are in trouble for doing something that you shouldn’t have done. The phrase is informal and would more likely be spoken in social situations than during formal exchanges.

A: I’d stay away from Dan if I were you. That wasn’t the result he was hoping for.

B: Well, I know I’ve got myself in hot water with him. But he has to understand that there wasn’t much I could do.

In the black

If someone (or a business) is in the black, then they have some money available to them and are not in debt. Someone who is in the black is not necessarily very wealthy, they simply do not owe any money to others. The opposite of in the black is in the red.

A: Do you know what their financial situation is? Are they in debt? Do they own their own house?

B: As far as I know they’re in the black. We’ve asked around and nobody has any horror stories to share.

In the dark

Usually accompanied by the verb to keep, if someone is kept in the dark about something, then details (or information) are withheld from them. Thus, they are kept unaware of any progress or changes that take place.

A: Don’t keep me in the dark on this, Robin. I want to know what’s going on, and I want to be a part of it.

B: It’s not my place to tell you. You’ll have to speak to Jane.

In the dog house

If someone is in the doghouse, then they are in trouble and/or disfavor as a result of something they have said or done. The term is said to originate from the same word used on boats and trains to describe the small, makeshift structures built to house workers when there was no room for them in the cabins.

A: Just call them; tell them you’re sick.

B: I can’t miss work today, honey. I’m already in the doghouse after last week.

In the driver’s seat

Someone who is in the driver’s seat is in control of a situation, process, or business. In business, you might find yourself in the driver’s seat of a project or an entire company. The term comes with a sense of responsibility and accountability for one’s actions.

A: With Heath off sick, that puts you in the driver’s seat for this summer’s entire events schedule. Are you going to be able to manage this?

B: I’m looking forward to showing you what I can do, Bruce.