Idiom of the Week
Archive - November 2006
He bet his bottom dollar that Mike and a few others would hold his feet to the fire when it came to justifying his presentation ideas.
From Take the Bull By the Horns, p. 21
Bet one’s bottom dollar – v. to be so sure of something that you will wager the last dollar you own that you are right
• “I bet my bottom dollar that our new hybrid car will be a winner with environmentally-conscious consumers.”
Hold one’s feet to the fire – v. to make a person accountable, put pressure on someone to perform
- “You said you could produce more loaves of bread with the new assembly line we installed, and I’m going to hold your feet to the fire on your promise.”
Miguel, the company's VP, pulled his chair up to the table. "Lets talk turkey," he said with an intense stare.
Talk turkey- v.to speak in a straightforward manner, speak frankly, discus hard facts, or get down to serious business.
It is important to know the appropriate time to talk turkey in a business meeting.
Joy suggested they keep the proposal simple and not put on a dog and pony show.
Dog and Pony Show- n. A display contrived for marketing purposes or for the gaining of approval for a product, policy, etc. This idiom originated from the early 20th century small-town circuses that used performing dogs and ponies as the main attraction.
The dinner entertainment is part of the dog and pony show the company puts on for the benefit of foreign investors.
Jose never leaves the house without his cup of joe.
Cup of Joe- n. A cup of coffee.
Possible refers to American soldiers of World War II who were given coffee for comfort and warmth. Another possibility is that Joe refers to the average Joe, thus making 'a cup of Joe' the average drink of the average person.
Karen meets with her team every monday morning at Starbucks. They like to start their week with a cup of joe while they review their progress updates.
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