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Hello everyone,

let’s have a look at the following phrasal verb:

Meaning:

to mention a topic or start to talk about it

Examples:

1.     I don't like to bring this up, but we are having some problems with the new assistant.

2.     Wolfgang: Would it be possible to discuss the new sales strategy for a few minutes?

Boris: Yes, I’m glad you’ve brought that up Wolfgang – we need to clarify a few things.

What will you bring up in your next discussion?

All the best,

Derek

Hello everyone,

I hope all is well.

Take a look at the following phrase:

to get something off your chest

Meaning:

To tell someone about something that has been worrying you

Examples:

• Is everything ok? Is there something you want to get off your chest?
• Herbert was unsure about his future at the company, so he got it off his chest and asked his boss directly.

Hope you find this post useful.

All the best,
Derek

Hello everybody!

I hope you’ve all had a good start to 2017.

Now, let’s have a look at another common business expression:

play it by ear

Meaning:

To do something without preparation, to improvise

Example 1:

James: What should we do if they don’t agree to our proposal?

Simon: I’m not sure to be honest - we’ll just have to play it by ear.

Example 2:

Gill: What do you want to do after the conference?

Bob: We could go for dinner at the hotel, or maybe try the Italian place across the street. Let’s play it by ear.

Do you often “play it by ear”?

Hope you found this useful.

All the best,

Derek

Hello everyone,

I hope you’ve all had a good year and that you have some time off to relax over the holidays.

Have a look at this short Christmas dialogue and see if you can fill in the gaps with these words:

remind         without         last          online          white          done

George: I hope we’re going to have a 1.) __________ Christmas.

Johnny: Me too! It’s not the same 2.) ___________ snow.

Nora: Hi guys! Are you talking about Christmas? Have you 3.) ___________ all your shopping?

George: Don’t 4.) ____________ me! I still need to find something for my wife – she’s so hard to buy for.

Johnny: I haven’t even started yet! I’ll probably do most of my shopping 5.) _____________.

Nora: Typical men! You always leave it until the 6.) _____________ minute.

I’d also like to share this video with you – it made me smile:

Have a great Christmas and all the best for 2017!

Derek

Answers to dialogue gap-fill: 1.) white 2.) without 3.) done 4.) remind 5.) online 6.) last

Hello everybody,

have you ever heard the expression "to meet someone halfway"? What does it mean?

Well, this expression is often used in negotiating. Test your knowledge on the meaning of this expression and three other common negotiating expressions in this quiz.

Good luck and bye for now,

Derek