I dioms in focus:
Task 1. Study the following examples and try to understand the underlined idioms in context. Find their Russian equivalents.
Putting the consumer in the driver's seat is the logo of a bold reform of car sales rules proposed by the European Commission. Its aim is to help people make the right choice as far as buying of vehicles is concerned.
The pecking order in his company is very difficult to understand for most of the workers.
(heading) Blair's peace talks take back seat: Tony Blair was yesterday forced to tone down his plans for an international Middle East peace summit in London, after Israel and the United States warned him not to ”interfere“.
Bush’s management style can be characterized by the ability to delegate and run a tight ship: he makes decisions quickly and never looks back, pushes big, controversial policies before they have broad support.
Education is a stepping-stone to a good job.
Nowadays shops have to go out of their way to make customers’ shopping experience secure and comfortable.
His inability to take the lead as well as being tied to the management’s apron strings and too much influenced by their ideas are on the way of his promotion.
Among young people, this brand of designer clothing is the ultimate status symbol. Youngsters are ready to pay through their nose to gain the so-called respect of their mates
When it comes to marketing managers of the company, James stands head and shoulders above them all. He always exceeds monthly targets.
Some US policy-makers were convinced that economic pressure alone could bring Japan to heel and help the US gain control over the country.
Any accountant worth his/her salt should be aware of the latest changes in taxation.
He is an autocratic type of a manager, appreciating low-level decision-making and imposing his point of view on his subordinates.
13. Some English politicians express the view that it is natural for Scots to occupy the subordinate position within the British economy If a relatively small part of the UK, Scotland, had a leading position, it would be the case of tail wagging the dog.
Task 2. Match the following idioms with their corresponding definitions.
13.to be worth one’s salt |
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Task 3. Substitute for the underlined phrase an idiom with the same meaning.
He is superior in skill and ability than other actors in the film.
Patients seem to be very low down in a hierarchical system as far as making charges to hospital policy is concerned.
A secretary is often seen as a boss’s sign of wealth and importance.
I had to let my partner make decisions when we went on the business trip.
Think of this job as a position which helps to achieve something better.
They exceeded their power to be kind to the newcomer.
Executives who force their subordinates to accept their opinion are considered to be autocratic managers.
Any judge with a reputation to uphold would immediately report an attempt to influence the jury.
The designers say that being in control of your living room sofa is made easy with the RM-AX4000 Home Theatre Remote Control from Sony.
While describing the dangers Israeli managers face, the Chairman of the Board of Discretix Technologies warned against adopting "subordinate making decisions for the manager" approach, where management of Israeli companies with subsidiaries in target countries try to manage the company from their secluded Israeli head office.
Ruth runs an organization in an orderly and disciplined manner and has no time for shirkers.
Western politicians opposed the president's effort to bring the Supreme Court under control.
In spite of ten-year experience in marketing, Michael is too much under the influence of his boss.
Task 4. Complete the sentences with one of the idioms in focus, paying special attention to the form of the verbs.
I believe that our team is ……………the other teams in the league and we can meet everybody’s high expectations.
There's a clearly established ……………in this office.
Craft union branches have established autonomy, and now the more militant …………….of union branches …………………..of the union.
In 2002 Matthew Wharmby wrote a manual in which he gave advice how to…………………………….when occupying a managerial position.
To be fair, the present Government is trying not very successfully to ……………some of the corrupt elements within the Departments.
Japanese managers act as facilitators and idea generators, they never try ……………their subordinates.
Virtually any wine shop ……………carries at least a few wines from New Zealand.
Richer Pickings ……………to secure his company a lucrative niche in a $4 bn audiovisual market dominated by independents.
I ……………regarding what kind of apartment we rent for our holiday.
The waters of the Atlantic brought the slaves from Africa to Brazil, their bodies in chains but their souls still …………….. Africa’s …………….
He was working so hard that his family life had …………….
He only bought the yacht as a……………– he doesn’t use it very often.
He is paying so much attention to the exhibition in the Tate gallery because it’s a ……………on the path of his recognition as an artist.
Task 5. Translate the following sentences into English using idioms instead of the phrases underlined.
Он научился эффективно управлять бизнесом после получения МБА в Австрийском колледже.
Менеджер, получивший МБА, стоит на голову выше менеджера, окончившего обычный университет.
Используя современные методы управления предприятия, новый управляющий заставил подчиняться штат филиала, и все сотрудники стали эффективно выполнять свои функции.
Получение хорошего образования является краеугольным камнем в поиске хорошей работе.
У штурвала этой крупной корпорации был настоящий профессионал.
На переговорах главное уметь очень мягко и незаметно склонить собеседников к своей точке зрения.
Ни один уважающий себя бизнесмен не станет пренебрегать маркетинговыми методами.
В деловом мире часы не только показывают время, но и являются показателем статуса владельца.
Четкая иерархия позволяет определить обязанности каждого, что способствует эффективному управлению предприятием
Принятие решений некомпетентными сотрудниками может привести к развалу компании.
У него нет продвижения по службе, так как он боится принимать решения самостоятельно и держится за «подол» своего руководства.
Несмотря на то, что он изо всех сил старается завоевать авторитет среди подчиненных, недостаточно развитые навыки общения делают задачу трудно достижимой.
Нельзя позволять обстоятельствам брать над тобой верх, если хочешь достичь успеха, как в карьере, так и в личной жизни.
UNIT 6 PURSUIT OF PROFITS
black economy
to be on to a good thing
to drive a hard bargain
to cash in on
to miss the boat
to get out from under
a down payment
money for jam/ old rope
a vested interest / vested interest
on the dole
fringe benefits (perks)
to pull the carpet from under sb's feet
to tighten one’s belt
Task 1. Study the following examples and try to understand the underlined idioms in context. Find their Russian equivalents
If you require a loan to buy a large expensive item like a house you have to give a down payment at once. Its purpose is to ensure that the lender can easily recover the amount of the loan.
Local businesses have a vested interest in seeing lower rates of crime against property.
We were going to put in an offer for the house on the corner but we’ve missed the boat. It’s already been sold.
The bookshops were suddenly full of books about Princess Diana, all hoping to cash in on the princess’s tragic death.
He really pulled the carpet from under her feet when he secretly applied for and was given the promotion that she had wanted.
I’m impressed that you got $2000 for that old car. You certainly drove a hard bargain.
A company car and a mobile phone are some of the perks that come with the job.
I’ve had to tighten my belt since I stopped working full-time.
You are on to a good thing with this buy-one-get-one-free offer at the shop.
The lack of reliable statistics comes from the growing black economies that have escaped accurate analysis.
Rivera has lost his job and now his family is on the dole.
If the house could keep itself clean, we wouldn’t be employing her, would we? What does she expect? Money for old rope?
Most gamblers find it extremely difficult to get out from under this obsession.
Task 2. Match the following idioms with their corresponding definitions.
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Task 3. Substitute for the underlined phrase an idiom with the same meaning.
The new reforms were opposed by both groups who promote their personal goals and welfare groups.
We are financially in an advantageous position working for the multinational.
Most French perfume houses lost opportunity years ago because they became fixated on the belief that if a ¼ oz bottle did not cost $4 or $5, nobody would buy it.
It was a sort of wedding where the cost of the ceremony and reception goes as a partial payment paid when a purchase deal is made, and you than continue dishing out your wages every week of life.
Counterfeiters are trying to profit from the huge demand for Levi jeans.
Kevin was receiving unemployment benefit from the state for a year before he got a job.
Babysitting is money earned without any effort if the children don’t wake up.
I would like to become free from my boss who is always watching my work.
The growing amount of work which is paid in cash & therefore not declared for tax is beginning to worry the government.
Employees must pay a tax on valuable things that they get besides wages or salary.
Ukraine was always going to be tough and consider only her own advantages before signing a treaty.
We will have to spend less money for a while until the economy improves.
The bankruptcy of their family business left her without support.
Task 4. Complete the sentences with one of the idioms in focus, paying special attention to the form of the verbs.
She heard there was a job opening in the factory but she applied too late and ……………………………………. .
Residents said local gang leaders ……………………. on the violence to seize valuable land.
It is impossible to quantify exactly the extent of the…………………….., as it is not declared officially
One of the …………….. of working for airline companies is cheap travel by plane.
She is …………………………….with this job, as she’s got a competitive salary and a number of fringe benefits.
The tobacco companies have a ………………………. in claiming that smoking is not harmful.
The Building Society have agreed to give us an 85% loan which means we shall have to make ……………………………….. of nearly $500.
We sold the house but the buyers ……………………….. and we got less than we hoped.
The area is very poor and there are many people ……………………… .
Clearly, if you are spending more than your income, you’ll need to …………………… .
The luxury of being a painter meant she could ……………………… urgent deadlines, as well as other strains and stresses of office work.
All you have to do is sit around the pool and make sure nobody drowns. It's…………………………………….. ..
We’ve managed to ………………………. of our competitors with this new product.
Task 5. Translate the following sentences into English using idioms instead of the phrases underlined.
Благодаря постоянно растущему спросу на нефть нефтедобывающие компании находятся в выигрышном положении.
Первоначальный взнос был незначительным, и он позволил себе купить особняк в кредит.
Это - пустяковая работа для человека, который обладает неординарным мышлением и имеет творческий потенциал.
Управление «Новостями» включает в себя непрерывную борьбу прессы с правительством и заинтересованными сторонами.
Чтобы избежать долгосрочного судебного разбирательства, она решила согласиться на все условия, выдвинутые руководством, и подать заявление об увольнении.
Новость о том, что его лучший друг предал его ради возможности подняться по карьерной лестнице, выбила почву у него из-под ног.
Благодаря хорошей социальной политике этой компании сотрудникам предоставляются дополнительные льготы, такие как медицинская страховка, возможность пользоваться спортзалом и бассейном, льготные путевки в санатории.
Борьба с теневой экономикой является приоритетным направлением этой партии.
После введения высоких экспортно-импортных пошлин на трубы трубному заводу пришлось экономить на всем.
После интенсивного периода охоты за крупным клиентом коммерческому директору компании в последний момент удалось заключить сделку на выгодных условиях.
Как пишет «Экономическая газета», в Германии пышным цветом расцвело социальное иждивенчество, вызванное нежеланием населения трудоустраиваться на низкооплачиваемые должности, и стремлением жить на пособие по безработице, составляющее 75% от заработной платы.
Не закупив высокопроизводительное оборудование своевременно и не захватив рынок, компания упустила свой шанс.
Многие обвиняют ее в том, что она воспользовалась нестабильной ситуацией в компании, чтобы изменить расстановку сил в отношениях с коллегами в свою пользу.
Test
your Idioms
UNITS 4 - 6
Task 1. Substitute in place of the words underlined an idiomatic expression.
Celeste asked for the money as a partial payment paid when a purchase deal is made on an old house.
The administration has no interests that involve personal gain in providing public schools good or bad.
I get a company car – it’s one of the valuable things that an employee gets besides a salary of the job.
The small town profited from their success after the winter Olimpics.
After he resigned, his family was receiving unemployment benefit from the state for a year
He thinks we're losing opportunity on improving relations with Russia.
The bank was able to be tough in business dealings and consider only its own advantages because the company badly needed cash.
He's in a pleasant, financially advantageous position with this chauffeur service he runs.
As soon as the company grows a little bigger and begins to show a profit, we intend to sell shares of a privately owned company to the public.
After the strike it would be some time before production was in fully active operation.
Our software business is diversifying into more interactive products.
If the rent goes up we'll have to put a company into liquidation.
With the boss on vacation, Mr. Burns was in control and was enjoying it.
She found herself explaining the new therapy to her doctor - a real case when a subordinate makes decisions for the manager.
The astronauts had developed a hierarchical system which determines who dominates that was military in its rigidity.
Linda was content to take a position in which she had little to say in the managing affairs, and let her assistant run the meeting.
The job was just a position which helps to achieve something better on his way to fame and riches.
Lucy doesn't even drive; that car of hers is purely a sign of wealth.
Stopping his allowance left him without support, forcing him to look for a job.
Business has been bad, so we'll have to spend less money, because there is little available.
Task 2. Translate the following sentences into English using idioms instead of the phrases underlined.
Покупка нового итальянского оборудования по производству бесшовных труб явилась краеугольным камнем в решении проблем качества выпускаемой продукции.
Построение новой системы управления, четкой иерархии позволило компании достичь более эффективного управления бизнесом.
После повышения в должности он решил поменять свой спортивный автомобиль на машину представительского класса, т.к. машина – это показатель статуса владельца.
Она хочет получать деньги, ничего не делая. В нашей компании, где трудоспособность и инициативность являются краеугольными камнями успеха, это невозможно.
Грег упустил свой шанс, отказавшись работать над этой сделкой. Теперь вероятность подняться по карьерной лестнице для него невелика.
Предательство его подчиненных выбило почву у него из-под ног.
Хороший руководитель не пытается навязать свою точку зрения коллективу, а всегда готов рассмотреть идеи подчиненных.
Основным видом деятельности компании является производство и дистрибуция шахтного оборудования.
Если ты позволишь обстоятельствам взять над тобой верх, то уже никогда не сможешь вернуть себе как авторитет подчиненных, так и доверие руководства.
С развитием цифрового фото спрос на пленку упал, поэтому компания-производитель пленки решила диверсифицировать свою деятельность и перешла на производство высококачественной фотобумаги.
Ни один уважающий себя банкир не станет связываться с мошенническими операциями.
Предприятие засветилось в махинациях, поэтому его пришлось ликвидировать.
Сотрудники, проработавшие в компании год, получают дополнительные льготы, такие как пользование машиной компании и бесплатная медицинская страховка.
Если мы воспользуемся ситуацией, то сможем выйти на мировой рынок.
Он влез в долги, купив новую машину, и теперь ему придется тратить меньше денег.
MONEY AND FUNDING