trade

• Let the cat out of the bag

  To accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.

• Make a killing

  To earn a very large amount of money, often quickly and easily.

• Get Down to Brass Tacks

  To address the fundamental facts or practical details of a matter without further delay or unnecessary discussion.

• In for a penny in for a pound

  If you have started something, even with a small commitment, you might as well commit fully to it, especially when the initial step implies a larger obligation.

• A dime a dozen

  Something that is very common and therefore has little value or distinction.

• Talk Shop

  To discuss matters related to one's profession or work, often in a social setting where it might be inappropriate or uninteresting to others.

• An axe to grind

  To have a personal grievance or ulterior motive for being involved in something.

• As mad as a hatter

  Describes someone who is extremely eccentric, irrational, or quite insane.

• Bite off more than you can chew

  To attempt a task or commitment that is beyond one's capabilities or resources.

• Cook the books

  To dishonestly manipulate financial records, typically to present a false or misleading picture of a company's financial health.

• Cross that bridge when you come to it

  Deal with a potential problem only when it actually arises, rather than worrying about it beforehand.

• Cut and dried

  Something that is already decided, settled, and lacking any new developments or room for discussion.

• Cut corners

  To perform a task or produce something by omitting necessary steps or expenses to save time or money, often resulting in lower quality.

• Drive a hard bargain

  To negotiate assertively and uncompromisingly, aiming to secure the most advantageous terms possible.

• First come first served

  The principle that those who arrive earliest or make a request first will be prioritized and receive service or items before others.

• Foot in the door

  To gain an initial, small opportunity that could lead to a greater chance of success or acceptance.

• Go against the grain

  To act in a manner contrary to prevailing norms, popular opinion, or one's own natural inclination.

• Go to the wall

  To fail completely, often financially, or to collapse under severe pressure.

• Grease someone's palm

  To give someone money, typically illegally, to persuade them to do something for you.

• Hit the nail on the head

  To describe or identify something with perfect accuracy or precision.

• In the nick of time

  To do something at the very last possible moment, just before it is too late.

• In the pipeline

  This idiom describes something that is currently being planned, developed, or processed and is expected to happen or be completed soon.

• In the red

  To be operating at a financial loss or to be in debt.

• Keep your nose to the grindstone

  To work diligently and continuously without distraction or rest.

• Level playing field

  A situation in which everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed without any unfair advantages or disadvantages.

• Pick up the tab

  To pay the entire bill or expense for someone else, especially at a restaurant, bar, or for an event.

• Strike while the iron is hot

  Seize an opportunity promptly when it is most favorable.

• Time is money

  Time is a valuable resource that should be spent wisely and productively, as it can be converted into profit or lost through idleness.

• Word of mouth

  The transmission of information, stories, or recommendations from person to person through oral communication.

• Ply one's trade

  To regularly perform one's profession or craft, especially in a persistent and dedicated manner.

• Woman of the streets

  A "woman of the streets" is a euphemistic term for a female prostitute.

• Sell oneself

  To compromise one's principles, integrity, or talents for personal gain, often financial or social, in a way that is considered demeaning or unethical.

• Oldest profession

  A common euphemism for prostitution.

• Sweat like a pig

  To perspire very heavily and profusely.

• Up to one's ears

  To be deeply involved in or overwhelmed by a large amount of something, such as work, debt, or problems.

• Keep one's nose to the grindstone

  To work diligently and continuously without taking breaks or being distracted.

• Cut one's losses

  To stop an unsuccessful activity or venture to prevent further detriment, expenditure, or damage.

• Go broke

  To lose all of one's money and assets, resulting in financial ruin or bankruptcy.

• Lose your shirt

  To lose a large sum of money, often to the point of financial ruin, typically through a bad investment or gambling.

• On the house

  When something is "on the house," it means it is provided free of charge by an establishment, typically a restaurant, bar, or hotel.

• Throw good money after bad

  To spend more money on a failed venture or bad investment in a futile attempt to improve it, only to increase the overall loss.

• Up to snuff

  To be good enough, meeting the required standards or expectations.

• Foot the bill

  To pay for something, often a large expense or the cost for a group of people.

• Carry coals to Newcastle

  To do something pointless and superfluous, especially by supplying something to a place that already has an abundance of it.

• Fall off the back of a lorry

  To acquire goods that have been stolen or illegally obtained, often implying they were found or came into possession through questionable means.

• Know your onions

  To be highly knowledgeable or thoroughly competent in a particular subject or area.

• Churn out

  To produce something rapidly and in large quantities, often with an implication of mechanical effort or disregard for individual quality.

• Drum up business

  To actively seek out and generate more commercial activity or customers.

• For a song

  To obtain or sell something for a remarkably low price, often much less than its actual value.

• Shipshape and Bristol fashion

  It means everything is meticulously organized, tidy, and in excellent working order, especially in a professional or maritime context.

• Stop the presses!

  This exclamation is used to demand an immediate halt to an ongoing activity or process due to a sudden, critical new development.

• Go to print

  To be finalized and sent for physical reproduction and publication, typically referring to books, newspapers, or other documents.

• Out of print

  A book or publication is no longer being produced or sold by its publisher.

• Printer's ink in one's veins

  To have a deep, inherent passion and dedication for the newspaper, printing, or journalism profession.

• Printer's devil

  A young apprentice in a printing house who performs menial tasks and is often covered in ink.

• Printers' pie

  A jumble of loose metal type, typically spilled, that needs to be sorted and reassembled.

• Filthy lucre

  Money or profit, especially when gained dishonestly, corruptly, or through immoral means.

• printer's ink in their veins

  This phrase describes someone with a deep, inherent connection to or an unwavering passion for the printing or publishing industry, often implying a lifelong dedication.

• carbon copy

  An exact duplicate of something, especially a document created using carbon paper, or a person or thing that closely resembles another.

• Buy a pig in a poke

  To purchase something without first inspecting it, often leading to a poor or undesirable acquisition.

• To be cut out for something

  To be naturally suited or well-qualified for a particular task, role, or activity.

• Cut from the same cloth

  To describe two or more people or things that are very similar in character, quality, or origin.

• Tailor-made

  Made or designed to fit a particular person or purpose perfectly.

• To tailor a plan

  To customize or adjust a plan precisely to fit specific needs, circumstances, or individuals.

• On tenterhooks

  To be in a state of anxious suspense, nervous anticipation, or eager expectation.

• Bursting at the seams

  To be extremely full, crowded, or under severe strain due to an abundance of people, items, or activity.

• Come apart at the seams

  To lose control of one's emotions, to become extremely upset and disorganized, or for a situation to fail completely.

• Cotton on

  To suddenly understand or realize something, often after a period of confusion or being unaware.

• Measure twice, cut once

  This proverb advises thorough planning and careful verification before taking irreversible action to avoid mistakes.

• Tailor something to suit

  To modify or adapt something specifically to meet a particular need, person, or situation.

• Jack of all trades, master of none

  This describes a person who has many skills and can do a variety of tasks but is not exceptionally proficient or an expert in any single one.

• Too many irons in the fire

  To be involved in too many activities or projects at once, making it difficult to give adequate attention to any of them.

• Tool of the trade

  An item, skill, or piece of knowledge that is essential for successfully performing a particular job, profession, or activity.

• On the tools

  To be actively engaged in a manual, trade-based, or hands-on profession, often contrasted with managerial or administrative roles.

• Clay in someone's hands

  To be easily influenced, manipulated, or controlled by another person.

• All sewn up

  This idiom describes a situation, plan, or task that is completely finished, decided, or successfully managed, leaving no loose ends or doubts.

• Sew up the deal

  To successfully finalize and secure an agreement or negotiation, ensuring all details are settled.

• Tailor something to fit

  To precisely modify or adjust something to meet specific individual requirements or circumstances.

• Plow something back in

  To reinvest profits, resources, or effort into the source from which they came, for future growth and benefit.

• In the black

  To be profitable, out of debt, or operating with a financial surplus.

• Bottom line

  The most important fact, issue, or financial result of a situation.

• Blue chip

  A blue chip refers to a company or stock that is well-established, financially sound, and generally considered a safe and reliable investment.

• Balance the books

  To ensure that the total debits and credits in an account or financial record are equal, verifying financial accuracy.

• Bull market

  A bull market is a period in financial markets where the prices of securities, such as stocks, are generally rising or are expected to rise, leading to investor optimism.

• Cut your losses

  To abandon a failing venture or unprofitable activity to prevent further negative consequences or expenditure.

• Make a bundle

  To earn a large sum of money quickly or easily.

• Pig in a poke

  Something accepted or bought without prior inspection, which may turn out to be worthless or problematic.

• Read the fine print

  To carefully examine the small, often difficult-to-read details and conditions in a legal document, contract, or advertisement that may have significant implications.

• Roll up one's sleeves

  To prepare oneself for hard, serious work, or to tackle a challenging task with dedication and determination.

• Diamond in the rough

  A person or thing that has great potential or inherent value but is currently unrefined, undeveloped, or lacks polish.

• Black market

  The black market refers to an illegal system for buying and selling goods or services, often to avoid taxes or government regulations.

• Dyed in the wool

  Describing someone or something as having a particular quality, belief, or characteristic that is fundamental and unchangeable.

• To be on tenterhooks

  To be in a state of anxious suspense or eager, nervous anticipation, often while waiting for an outcome.

• Window dressing

  Making something appear more attractive or impressive than it actually is, often to deceive or create a positive but misleading impression.

• Hand over fist

  To acquire money or make progress very rapidly and in large quantities.

• In good hands

  To be under the care, protection, or management of someone who is competent, trustworthy, or skilled.

• Small print

  The clauses, conditions, or disclaimers in a document that are less noticeable, often due to their small font size, but are legally binding and critically important.

• Fine print

  The small, often difficult-to-read text in a document that contains important conditions, disclaimers, or additional details.

• Snake oil

  Snake oil refers to a fraudulent or ineffective remedy, product, or idea presented as beneficial or legitimate.

• Hobson's choice

  A Hobson's choice is an apparent choice where only one option is actually available, making it no choice at all.

• Pump and dump

  A fraudulent scheme that involves artificially inflating the price of an asset through misleading positive statements, then selling the artificially acquired stock at the higher price.

• Buy the dip

  To purchase an asset, typically stocks or cryptocurrency, during a temporary price decline, with the expectation that its value will soon rebound.

• Chef's whites

  Chef's whites refer to the traditional white uniform, typically consisting of a jacket, trousers, and toque, worn by chefs in professional kitchens.

• Expediter

  An expediter is a person whose primary role is to ensure that processes, projects, or tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule, often by removing obstacles or managing logistics.

• Station chef

  A station chef, also known as a chef de partie, is a cook responsible for a specific section of a professional kitchen, such as grilling, sauces, or pastry.

• Chit

  A short, informal note, voucher, or receipt, typically for a small sum, a debt, or an item received.

• Head chef

  The main cook in a professional kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations and staff.

• Executive chef

  An executive chef is the highest-ranking culinary professional in a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment, responsible for all kitchen operations and menu development.

• Getting burned

  To suffer a significant loss, disappointment, or negative consequence, often financial or emotional, due to a poor decision, betrayal, or unforeseen problem.

• Initial public offering

  An initial public offering (IPO) is the first time a private company sells shares of its stock to the public, allowing investors to buy a stake in the company.

• Leveraged buyout

  A leveraged buyout is when a company is acquired primarily using borrowed money, with the assets of the acquired company often serving as collateral for the debt.

• Mergers and acquisitions

  Mergers and acquisitions refer to the consolidation of companies or assets through various financial transactions, often for strategic growth or synergy.

• Private equity

  Private equity refers to capital invested in companies that are not publicly traded on a stock exchange, often with the goal of improving their operations and eventually selling them for a profit.

• Due diligence

  Due diligence refers to the research and investigation performed to assess the risks and merits of a business decision or transaction.

• Hostile takeover

  A hostile takeover occurs when one company attempts to acquire another against the will of the target company's management or board of directors.

• Liquidity crunch

  A liquidity crunch occurs when there is a severe shortage of readily available cash or easily convertible assets in a market or for a company, making it difficult to meet short-term financial obligations.

• Margin call

  A margin call is a demand from a broker for an investor to deposit additional funds or securities to cover potential losses in a leveraged trading account.

• Don't take any wooden nickels

  Be wary and do not let others deceive or take advantage of you.

• Go bust

  To suffer complete financial failure, often leading to the closure of a business.

• Settle a score

  To take revenge on someone for a past wrong or injury.

• Palm off

  To deceptively sell or pass off something of inferior quality, or something unwanted, as valuable or desirable.

• Get a foot in the door

  To gain an initial, small opportunity or advantage that can lead to greater success or a more significant position.

• spoiling the ship for a ha'porth of tar

  To ruin a significant or valuable endeavor by refusing to spend a small, necessary amount of money or effort.

• add your two cents

  To offer one's opinion or advice, especially when it's not explicitly requested but the speaker feels compelled to share.

• keep at it

  To continue working on something with persistent effort, especially when it is challenging.

• trimming the sails

  To adjust one's plans, actions, or expectations to adapt to changing circumstances or conditions.

• spinning a yarn

  To tell a long, often elaborate or fictitious story.

• sold a bill of goods

  To be deceived or tricked into believing a false story or accepting something of little value.

• Sound as a dollar

  To be in excellent and reliable condition, often financially or physically, suggesting robustness and trustworthiness.

• Fifty-fifty

  Divided into two equal parts or shares, or having an equal chance of success or failure.

• Run-of-the-mill

  Ordinary, average, or unexceptional; lacking any special or distinctive qualities.

• A shambles

  A state of complete disorder, confusion, or inefficiency.

• Don't throw good money after bad

  It means to avoid wasting more money on an investment or project that has already proven unsuccessful and is unlikely to improve.

• Premium blade collection

  A curated set of high-quality cutting instruments, often marketed for their superior performance, durability, or craftsmanship.

• Quality chef's knives

  Highly functional and durable knives designed for professional culinary use, characterized by superior materials, craftsmanship, and balance.

• Professional knife assortment

  A curated collection of specialized knives designed for specific tasks within a professional field, most commonly culinary arts.

• A tall order

  Something that is very difficult to achieve or highly demanding to fulfill.

• Flimflam

  Flimflam refers to deceptive or misleading talk or behavior, often used to swindle someone.

• Trading away one's future

  To sacrifice long-term benefits or potential for immediate, often short-sighted, gain.

• a hard sell

  Something that is difficult to persuade people to accept, believe, or purchase.

• a hard bargain

  A deal or agreement that is difficult to achieve because one party is unwilling to compromise much on the terms or price.

• a difficult customer

  Someone who is hard to please, manage, or deal with, often making unreasonable demands or complaints.

• A bargaining chip

  Something used as an advantage or concession to achieve a desired outcome in a negotiation.

• Bait and switch

  A fraudulent sales tactic where a seller advertises an attractive but unavailable product (the 'bait') to lure customers, then pressures them into buying a more expensive or less desirable alternative (the 'switch').

• A rip-off

  Something that is outrageously overpriced or an act of exploiting someone through unfair pricing or a dishonest deal.

• Cost a pretty penny

  To be very expensive or to require a significant amount of money.

• Exorbitant price

  An exorbitant price is one that is unreasonably high, far exceeding the true value or a fair market rate.

• Worth every penny

  This phrase means that something is excellent value for its cost, and the benefit or quality fully justifies the money spent.

• A steal

  An item or service that is purchased at an exceptionally low price, offering incredible value.

• Dirt cheap

  Something that is dirt cheap is extremely inexpensive, costing very little money.

• A master of one's craft

  Someone exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in their particular profession, art, or area of expertise.

• Pay up

  To pay a debt or an amount of money that is owed, especially promptly and completely.

• Shell out

  To spend a significant amount of money, often reluctantly or for something expensive.

• Settle up

  To pay a debt or clear an outstanding financial balance with someone.

• Exploiting price differences

  Taking advantage of varying prices for the same item or asset across different markets to make a profit.

• High-frequency trading

  High-frequency trading is an automated trading method where powerful computer programs execute a massive volume of orders in milliseconds, aiming to profit from tiny price discrepancies.

• Day trading

  The practice of buying and selling financial instruments within the same trading day, with the goal of profiting from small price fluctuations.

• Market making

  Market making is the activity of simultaneously quoting both buy and sell prices for a financial asset, aiming to profit from the bid-ask spread while providing liquidity to the market.

• In the balance

  The outcome or future of a situation is uncertain and currently undecided.

• Pick up where one left off

  To resume an activity, conversation, or task at the exact point it was previously paused or interrupted.

• Getting fleeced

  To be cheated or overcharged excessively, often leaving one with significantly less money or resources than expected.

• Cutting losses

  To stop an activity that is proving unsuccessful or harmful in order to prevent further negative consequences, typically financial ones.

• Square accounts

  To settle all debts, obligations, or disagreements completely, leaving nothing outstanding.

• Keep the books

  To meticulously record and maintain the financial transactions and records of an organization or individual.

• Audit the books

  To conduct an official, systematic examination of a company's or individual's financial records to verify their accuracy and compliance with regulations.

• Settle accounts

  To finalize financial obligations by paying or receiving what is owed, or to resolve a dispute by exacting retribution.

• Acid test

  An acid test is a definitive and rigorous evaluation that proves the true value, quality, or authenticity of something.

• The nuts and bolts

  The essential practical details or fundamental components of a task, system, or idea.

• Hitting the nail on the head

  To describe something exactly right or to identify precisely the core of an issue.

• Generic

  Lacking distinctive qualities or characteristics, often referring to a product or idea that is not branded or specific.