Match the expression or idiom below with the correct definition a) to f).

a) to be ambitious and have high goals
b) when someone has to choose between various options and all the options are bad
c) easy progress with no problems or difficulties
d) to remove yourself from a bad situation that is unproductive and holds little hope for improvement
e) to think of creative and unconventional solutions instead of usual, common ones
f) to keep doing or talking about the same thing over and over again without achieving anything

1. cut your losses – - ? - a b c d e f
2. run/go around in circles - - ? - a b c d e f
3. think outside the box - - ? - a b c d e f
4. think big – - ? - a b c d e f
5. smooth sailing – - ? - a b c d e f
6. lose-lose situation - - ? - a b c d e f

Now complete the following sentences with an expression from the previous exercise. You may need to change the form of the expression

1. It was a nightmare setting up the new computer system but it'll be from now on.
2. I've been trying to get all the reports finished before the meeting.
3. If you can’t find a solution by going down the usual routes, you need to .
4. Advertising through that company was expensive and we didn't see an increase in sales. So, we decided to and stop doing business with them.
5. You need to . If you don’t invest in the Company and expand, you won’t be able to compete internationally.
6. This new development means that a favorable outcome is imposible. It’s a .

Choose the best word to fit the description.

1. When two companies decide to join together, this is called a - ? - welding merger conglomerate
2. If a company employs more workers, we can say that it has - ? - put on bought on taken on more staff.
3. The organisation that negotiates with the management for the workers is the - ? - syndicate group security union
4. If a company "cuts jobs" it has fewer - ? - working hours public holidays workers
5. If you work additional hours to earn extra money it’s called - ? - overtime clocking on value added time (VAT)
6. A company that has a specialised product or service has a - ? - product margin turnover market niche
7. When one company takes control of another it’s called - ? - a comb over a takeover an overtake
8. One way for a company to raise a lot of money is to - ? - issue shares purchase shares diversify shares

1. I'm afraid the manager’s - ? - in at of with lunch.
2. I'm afraid Mr. Smith is - ? - in at for to New York all this week.
3. I'm afraid she's - ? - in at for on the other line.
4. I'm afraid Ms Walker is - ? - out out for out of into the office at the moment. Can I take a message?
5. I’m afraid he won’t be able to phone you - ? - through back round over until this afternoon.
Help
I’m afraid… = I’m sorry…
I’m afraid she’s not in = Lo siento pero no está
I’m afraid not = Me temo que no