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Quiz 🎲|Every day, one new expression.|

Today's Expressions

Learn useful English expressions easily and fun.

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to take it or leave it

accept it as it is or not at all · accept without changes · no other options

What's the situation?

Imagine you're at a market, and a vendor gives you their absolute final price – no more haggling! Or perhaps a friend offers you something, and they're pretty neutral about whether you take it. 'To take it or leave it' is perfect for those moments when it's a 'what you see is what you get' kind of deal. 😎 It means the offer won't change, so you either accept it as it is, or you don't take it at all!

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A tough nut to crack

a difficult problem or person to deal with · a challenging situation

What's the situation?

Ever faced a business challenge that just wouldn't budge? 😫 Or a client so demanding they made you want to pull your hair out? 🤯 This expression is your go-to when you encounter something or someone incredibly difficult to manage or overcome. It's like saying, 'This is going to require some serious brainpower!'

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twist someone's arm

to persuade someone to do something they don't want to do · to convince someone

What's the situation?

Ever had a friend who *really* wanted you to try that new sushi spot, even if you were craving pizza? 🍕🍣 'Twist someone's arm' is exactly for those moments when you manage to convince someone (or get convinced yourself!) to do something they weren't too keen on initially, usually with a little friendly persuasion!

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to finesse

to handle skillfully or subtly · to navigate a situation smoothly · to achieve something cleverly

What's the situation?

You know when you manage to get something done super smoothly, maybe even avoiding some drama or a tough spot? Or when you impress everyone by subtly handling a tricky situation? That's when you 'finesse' it! It's all about skill and a touch of cleverness, often used admiringly for someone who makes something difficult look easy. 😎✨

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come to an agreement

reach a mutual understanding or decision · concur

What's the situation?

This is super useful when you and your team have been discussing different ideas or negotiating terms, and finally, everyone's on the same page. 🎉 It means you've successfully worked through the differences and found common ground.

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draw a line in the sand

set a limit · establish an ultimatum · make a final decision or stand

What's the situation?

Imagine you're in a negotiation, and your team just can't compromise anymore on a key point. This phrase is perfect for when you need to clearly state your non-negotiable terms or set a firm boundary. It's like saying, 'This is as far as we go!' ⚔️

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push something through

to get a plan, proposal, or project accepted or completed quickly or despite opposition · to force something to happen

What's the situation?

You're trying to get a project approved or a deal finalized, but there are obstacles or slow processes. This phrase describes the effort to make it happen! 🚀 It's about determination and overcoming resistance.

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I have some reservations

I have some doubts · I'm not entirely convinced

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you are in a meeting or discussion and you're not fully on board with an idea or plan. You're not outright rejecting it, but you have specific concerns or doubts you'd like to voice before moving forward. It’s a polite and professional way to express your hesitation! 🤔

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strike a balance

find a middle ground · achieve equilibrium

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you need to weigh two opposing factors or goals and find a way for them to coexist harmoniously. ⚖️ It's super useful in business when you're trying to satisfy different stakeholders or optimize conflicting objectives without fully sacrificing either one. Think budget vs. quality, or speed vs. thoroughness! ✨

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to drive a hard bargain

to negotiate skillfully and forcefully to get the best possible terms · to be a tough negotiator

What's the situation?

Imagine you are at a flea market or buying a car, and you really want to get a great price. If you are someone who is not afraid to push for a better deal, this expression is for you! 💪 It is about being clever and firm to get what you want.

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play hardball

to negotiate aggressively · to deal with someone in a very determined and forceful way

What's the situation?

Ever been in a negotiation where you felt like the other side was trying to walk all over you? 😠 Or when you know you've got the upper hand and need to show it? 'Play hardball' is your go-to phrase for when it's time to stop being polite and start getting what you deserve, especially in business deals or tricky situations where you need to be firm. 💪

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to make an offer

to propose a price · to state what you're willing to pay

What's the situation?

Imagine you're at a flea market, a garage sale, or even buying a car. 🛍️ You see something you like, but the listed price feels a bit high. Instead of just walking away, you might want to 'make an offer'!

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to walk away from something

to decide not to buy something · to decline a purchase or deal

What's the situation?

Imagine you're eyeing a cool gadget or a stylish jacket, but the price tag is a bit much, or maybe you're just not 100% convinced it's 'the one'. This is when you can 'walk away from something'! It's all about making that smart, sometimes tough, decision not to buy, whether it's due to price, fit, or simply a change of heart. 🚶‍♂️💨

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put your cards on the table

to be honest and open about your intentions or plans · to reveal all facts

What's the situation?

You know those moments in business when things feel a bit vague or someone's holding back? 🕵️‍♀️ This expression is perfect for saying, 'Hey, let's be totally transparent here!' It's all about fostering trust and getting everyone on the same clear page (metaphorically, of course!). 🤝

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push for something

strongly advocate for · strive to achieve

What's the situation?

Imagine you're trying to get a project approved, a raise, or a new idea implemented, and things are moving slower than molasses. 🐌 This expression is your secret weapon! 💪 It means you're actively and assertively trying to make something happen, often against some resistance or delay. Think of it as gently, but firmly, nudging things forward! 😉

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hammer out an agreement

negotiate and finalize details · reach a specific deal

What's the situation?

Imagine a tough negotiation where both sides are really working hard to agree on every little detail. 😅 This phrase is perfect for when you're diligently discussing and resolving all the sticky points to reach a final deal. It suggests a strong effort to get things done!

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to smooth things over

resolve a disagreement or difficulty · make a situation less tense or unpleasant

What's the situation?

Ever found yourself in a sticky situation at work, maybe after a heated debate or a misunderstanding? 🔥 This expression is your secret weapon for making everything chill again. It's about resolving issues and making sure everyone can move forward happily! ✨

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find common ground

find mutual agreement · identify shared interests

What's the situation?

This expression is a lifesaver when you and a colleague or team have different ideas or approaches, but you absolutely need to collaborate and make progress. It's about skillfully navigating disagreements to achieve a shared goal!

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Let's talk turkey

to discuss business seriously · to talk frankly about important matters, especially money or difficult subjects

What's the situation?

You've had some friendly small talk, but now it's time to get down to the core reason for your meeting! 💼 This expression is perfect when you want to signal that it's time to stop with the pleasantries and dive into the real issues, especially financial discussions, negotiations, or tough decisions.

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take something off the table

to remove a proposal or offer from consideration · to withdraw something from discussion

What's the situation?

Imagine you're in a negotiation, and one option just isn't working out. Or maybe you've decided against a particular strategy. This phrase is your polite, clear way to say, "Nope, not happening!" or "Let's forget about this specific idea." It helps to narrow down discussions and focus on what's viable.

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work something out

find a solution · resolve an issue · arrange a plan

What's the situation?

You know those moments when you're facing a tricky situation or a minor disagreement in a project? This phrase is your go-to! It means you're going to put your heads together (figuratively, of course!) to find a solution or make a plan that works for everyone. ✨

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Take it or leave it

You either accept this offer or reject it · no room for negotiation

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you're presenting a final offer or a non-negotiable option. 🚀 It signals that you've laid out your best (or only) terms, and it's up to the other person to decide without further discussion. Think of it as drawing a line in the sand! 🙅‍♀️

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put yourself in someone's shoes

imagine what it's like to be in someone else's situation · understand another's perspective

What's the situation?

Imagine you're trying to understand why a client is hesitant about a new proposal. 🧐 Instead of pushing your agenda, you could say this to encourage your team to think from the client's perspective! It's super useful for building empathy and finding common ground.

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to haggle over the price

to bargain · to negotiate a better price

What's the situation?

Ever found something you absolutely *love* but thought, 'Hmm, could this be a bit cheaper?' 🤔 That's where 'to haggle over the price' comes in! It's all about friendly negotiation to get a better deal, especially common in places like flea markets, second-hand shops, or when buying something unique from a private seller. It's like a mini-game to see who gets the best outcome! 🏷️💸

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