Speaking English Like a Native Kevin: I'm sorry about that. We were swamped. Let me make it up to you. We'll give you a 25 percent discount on the project. IDIOMS & EXPRESSIONS - LESSON 9
a far cry from different than; not at all like; much less than EXAMPLE: Cisco Systems' stock may be trading higher, but it's still a far cry
from where it was in 2000. (to) go all out to make a big effort; to try hard EXAMPLE: The small gift shop went all out on advertising in December, trying to increase its holiday sales.
(to) mince words to control one's language to be polite EXAMPLE: Sue told you your new product idea was "the stupidest idea she's ever heard?" Clearly, she's not one to mince words! NOTE: Mince has two main meanings: in this expression, it means "to make less harsh." It also means "to chop foods into tiny pieces."
pretty penny a lot of money; too much money (when referring to the cost of something) EXAMPLE: Ruth made a pretty penny selling antiques on eBay.
(to) deliver to meet expectations or requirements of a task, project, or job EXAMPLE: You made a lot of promises during your job interview here. Now that you're hired, I hope you can deliver!
(to) pull out all the stops to use all one's resources to get something done; to try very hard EXAMPLE: Many airline companies are pulling out all the stops
Polar English
Speaking Business
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English Like a Native