196. Understand More in Meetings: Business Expressions #2
Nov 15, 2023
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Learn how to understand and use key business expressions in English meetings. Explore expressions like 'strike while the iron is hot,' 'bite the bullet,' and 'nip problems in the bud.' Discover their origins and practical applications in various business scenarios.
'To strike while the iron is hot' means to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity before it disappears.
'To bite the bullet' refers to facing a challenge or doing something difficult, even if it's unpopular, emphasizing the need to act despite difficulties or pushback.
Deep dives
Key point 1: Take advantage of opportunities
One key expression discussed in the podcast is 'to strike while the iron is hot.' This expression refers to taking advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity before it disappears. The origin of this expression comes from blacksmiths who had to work with hot iron within a specific time frame. In a business context, it means acting promptly when there is high demand or excitement for a particular product or market expansion.
Key point 2: Doing something difficult or unpopular
The podcast introduces the expression 'to bite the bullet,' which means to face a challenge or do something difficult, even if it's unpopular. The origin of this expression comes from a medical context where patients would bite on a bullet to cope with pain before anesthesia. In a business setting, it's used when making tough decisions or implementing changes that are necessary but not well received. It emphasizes the need to act despite the difficulties or pushback.
Key point 3: Early intervention to prevent larger problems
The podcast also covers the expression 'to nip something in the bud,' which means to stop or suppress an issue or problem at its early stage to prevent it from becoming bigger. The origin of this expression is related to gardening, where cutting off a bud prevents a flower from developing. In a work context, this expression is often used when addressing behavior issues, customer service problems, or any emerging negative trends. It highlights the importance of taking early action to avoid more significant and challenging problems later on.
Let's continue with this series. I go into depth with 3 more business expressions on the topic of taking action. I paint the picture, give you context and tell you where the expression actually comes from. This helps unlock the meaning and give you a visual guide to help remember it. After all, this is the key. How can you remember the expression so that in a meeting you get it? Creating a visual connection and giving context really helps your brain connect the dots.