実践ビジネス英語 Thursday, January 10
1) The H&B staff describe other life lessons they were taught by their parents. Breakstone was told not to order the most expensive item on the menu unless she was paying. Nissen to make an effort to dress appropriately, and Garcia to be punctual. Nissen's mother told him not to be a constant complainer, and Breakstone's mother urged her to listen as much as she talked.
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Teenagers' Life Lessons at work (2)
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2) admonition: "Admonition" means a warning, counsel, or rebuke. Breakstone uses the noun. The verb would be "admonish." For example, "She 'admonished' David to check his fax more carefully." Or "She 'admonished him for not dressing more nicely.
3) surf and turf: This is a seafood and steak combination meal, obviously expensive for containing both items. "Surf" like to surf in the ocean refers to the seafood and "turf" to the steak.
4) mantra: This is a slogan, a motto, something that expresses a principle, a guideline for our behavior. A journalist's mantra might be "Always check twice." Double-check that all your data and other information are accurate before going to press."
5) spruce up: Nissen uses this to mean improve the appearance of, make something look nicer. As in "I've been 'sprucing up' my desk with some plants." Or "He 'spruced up' his wardrobe with some nice new suits."
6) look presentable: "Presentable" means fit to be seen by others, to be shown to them or ready for their scrutiny. And it can be used about things as well as people. As in, "Our office 'looks much more presentable' now. Thanks to the new desks and chairs."
7) no-brainer: Something so simple and obvious, no one should have to think about it, in other words, that we don't really have to use our brain to figure out. Imagine a company is looking for a new manager. If one candidate is highly superior to the rest, you might say, "Well, this is a 'no-brainer.' John Smith is obviously the best choice."
8) chronic complainer: Nissen uses "chronic" to refer to habitual behavior, something a person does over and over for a long time. A "chronic liar," for example, or a "chronic gambler." It can also mean lasting for a long time or recurring. As in "She suffers from 'chronic headaches.'" Or "The company suffers from a 'chronic shortage' of funds." I'd say the nuance is always negative. "Chronic" refers to bad situations or behavior.
9) two-way street: Breakstone is referring to a reciprocal situation. One in which both sides have to make an effort, cooperate. "Love is a 'two-way street'" is one of the most common uses of this phrase. You could also say something like "Trade relations are a 'two-way street.'" Or "Trade relations are not a 'one-way street.'"
