trade
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Let the cat out of the bag
To accidentally reveal a secret or surprise.
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Make a killing
To earn a very large amount of money, often quickly and easily.
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Get Down to Brass Tacks
To address the fundamental facts or practical details of a matter without further delay or unnecessary discussion.
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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.
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A dime a dozen
Something that is very common and therefore has little value or distinction.
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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.
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An axe to grind
To have a personal grievance or ulterior motive for being involved in something.
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As mad as a hatter
Describes someone who is extremely eccentric, irrational, or quite insane.
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Bite off more than you can chew
To attempt a task or commitment that is beyond one's capabilities or resources.
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Cook the books
To dishonestly manipulate financial records, typically to present a false or misleading picture of a company's financial health.
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Cross that bridge when you come to it
Deal with a potential problem only when it actually arises, rather than worrying about it beforehand.
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Cut and dried
Something that is already decided, settled, and lacking any new developments or room for discussion.
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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.
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Drive a hard bargain
To negotiate assertively and uncompromisingly, aiming to secure the most advantageous terms possible.
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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.
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Foot in the door
To gain an initial, small opportunity that could lead to a greater chance of success or acceptance.
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Go against the grain
To act in a manner contrary to prevailing norms, popular opinion, or one's own natural inclination.
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Go to the wall
To fail completely, often financially, or to collapse under severe pressure.
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Grease someone's palm
To give someone money, typically illegally, to persuade them to do something for you.
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Hit the nail on the head
To describe or identify something with perfect accuracy or precision.
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In the nick of time
To do something at the very last possible moment, just before it is too late.
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In the pipeline
This idiom describes something that is currently being planned, developed, or processed and is expected to happen or be completed soon.
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In the red
To be operating at a financial loss or to be in debt.
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Keep your nose to the grindstone
To work diligently and continuously without distraction or rest.
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Level playing field
A situation in which everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed without any unfair advantages or disadvantages.
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Pick up the tab
To pay the entire bill or expense for someone else, especially at a restaurant, bar, or for an event.
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Strike while the iron is hot
Seize an opportunity promptly when it is most favorable.
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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.
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Word of mouth
The transmission of information, stories, or recommendations from person to person through oral communication.
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Ply one's trade
To regularly perform one's profession or craft, especially in a persistent and dedicated manner.
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Woman of the streets
A "woman of the streets" is a euphemistic term for a female prostitute.
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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.
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Oldest profession
A common euphemism for prostitution.
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Sweat like a pig
To perspire very heavily and profusely.
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Up to one's ears
To be deeply involved in or overwhelmed by a large amount of something, such as work, debt, or problems.
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Keep one's nose to the grindstone
To work diligently and continuously without taking breaks or being distracted.
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Cut one's losses
To stop an unsuccessful activity or venture to prevent further detriment, expenditure, or damage.
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Go broke
To lose all of one's money and assets, resulting in financial ruin or bankruptcy.
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Lose your shirt
To lose a large sum of money, often to the point of financial ruin, typically through a bad investment or gambling.
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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.
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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.
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Up to snuff
To be good enough, meeting the required standards or expectations.
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Foot the bill
To pay for something, often a large expense or the cost for a group of people.
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Carry coals to Newcastle
To do something pointless and superfluous, especially by supplying something to a place that already has an abundance of it.
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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.
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Know your onions
To be highly knowledgeable or thoroughly competent in a particular subject or area.
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Churn out
To produce something rapidly and in large quantities, often with an implication of mechanical effort or disregard for individual quality.
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Drum up business
To actively seek out and generate more commercial activity or customers.
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For a song
To obtain or sell something for a remarkably low price, often much less than its actual value.
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Shipshape and Bristol fashion
It means everything is meticulously organized, tidy, and in excellent working order, especially in a professional or maritime context.
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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.
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Go to print
To be finalized and sent for physical reproduction and publication, typically referring to books, newspapers, or other documents.
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Out of print
A book or publication is no longer being produced or sold by its publisher.
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Printer's ink in one's veins
To have a deep, inherent passion and dedication for the newspaper, printing, or journalism profession.
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Printer's devil
A young apprentice in a printing house who performs menial tasks and is often covered in ink.
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Printers' pie
A jumble of loose metal type, typically spilled, that needs to be sorted and reassembled.
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Filthy lucre
Money or profit, especially when gained dishonestly, corruptly, or through immoral means.
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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.
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carbon copy
An exact duplicate of something, especially a document created using carbon paper, or a person or thing that closely resembles another.
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Buy a pig in a poke
To purchase something without first inspecting it, often leading to a poor or undesirable acquisition.
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To be cut out for something
To be naturally suited or well-qualified for a particular task, role, or activity.
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Cut from the same cloth
To describe two or more people or things that are very similar in character, quality, or origin.
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Tailor-made
Made or designed to fit a particular person or purpose perfectly.
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To tailor a plan
To customize or adjust a plan precisely to fit specific needs, circumstances, or individuals.
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On tenterhooks
To be in a state of anxious suspense, nervous anticipation, or eager expectation.
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Bursting at the seams
To be extremely full, crowded, or under severe strain due to an abundance of people, items, or activity.
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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.
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Cotton on
To suddenly understand or realize something, often after a period of confusion or being unaware.
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Measure twice, cut once
This proverb advises thorough planning and careful verification before taking irreversible action to avoid mistakes.
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Tailor something to suit
To modify or adapt something specifically to meet a particular need, person, or situation.
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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.
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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.
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Tool of the trade
An item, skill, or piece of knowledge that is essential for successfully performing a particular job, profession, or activity.
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On the tools
To be actively engaged in a manual, trade-based, or hands-on profession, often contrasted with managerial or administrative roles.
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Clay in someone's hands
To be easily influenced, manipulated, or controlled by another person.
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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.
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Sew up the deal
To successfully finalize and secure an agreement or negotiation, ensuring all details are settled.
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Tailor something to fit
To precisely modify or adjust something to meet specific individual requirements or circumstances.
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Plow something back in
To reinvest profits, resources, or effort into the source from which they came, for future growth and benefit.
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In the black
To be profitable, out of debt, or operating with a financial surplus.
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Bottom line
The most important fact, issue, or financial result of a situation.
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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.
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Balance the books
To ensure that the total debits and credits in an account or financial record are equal, verifying financial accuracy.
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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.
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Cut your losses
To abandon a failing venture or unprofitable activity to prevent further negative consequences or expenditure.
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Make a bundle
To earn a large sum of money quickly or easily.
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Pig in a poke
Something accepted or bought without prior inspection, which may turn out to be worthless or problematic.
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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.
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Roll up one's sleeves
To prepare oneself for hard, serious work, or to tackle a challenging task with dedication and determination.
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Diamond in the rough
A person or thing that has great potential or inherent value but is currently unrefined, undeveloped, or lacks polish.
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Black market
The black market refers to an illegal system for buying and selling goods or services, often to avoid taxes or government regulations.
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Dyed in the wool
Describing someone or something as having a particular quality, belief, or characteristic that is fundamental and unchangeable.
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To be on tenterhooks
To be in a state of anxious suspense or eager, nervous anticipation, often while waiting for an outcome.
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Window dressing
Making something appear more attractive or impressive than it actually is, often to deceive or create a positive but misleading impression.
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Hand over fist
To acquire money or make progress very rapidly and in large quantities.
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In good hands
To be under the care, protection, or management of someone who is competent, trustworthy, or skilled.
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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.
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Fine print
The small, often difficult-to-read text in a document that contains important conditions, disclaimers, or additional details.
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Snake oil
Snake oil refers to a fraudulent or ineffective remedy, product, or idea presented as beneficial or legitimate.
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Hobson's choice
A Hobson's choice is an apparent choice where only one option is actually available, making it no choice at all.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chit
A short, informal note, voucher, or receipt, typically for a small sum, a debt, or an item received.
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Head chef
The main cook in a professional kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations and staff.
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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.
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Getting burned
To suffer a significant loss, disappointment, or negative consequence, often financial or emotional, due to a poor decision, betrayal, or unforeseen problem.
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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.
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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.
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Mergers and acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions refer to the consolidation of companies or assets through various financial transactions, often for strategic growth or synergy.
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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.
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Due diligence
Due diligence refers to the research and investigation performed to assess the risks and merits of a business decision or transaction.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Don't take any wooden nickels
Be wary and do not let others deceive or take advantage of you.
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Go bust
To suffer complete financial failure, often leading to the closure of a business.
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Settle a score
To take revenge on someone for a past wrong or injury.
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Palm off
To deceptively sell or pass off something of inferior quality, or something unwanted, as valuable or desirable.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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keep at it
To continue working on something with persistent effort, especially when it is challenging.
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trimming the sails
To adjust one's plans, actions, or expectations to adapt to changing circumstances or conditions.
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spinning a yarn
To tell a long, often elaborate or fictitious story.
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sold a bill of goods
To be deceived or tricked into believing a false story or accepting something of little value.
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Sound as a dollar
To be in excellent and reliable condition, often financially or physically, suggesting robustness and trustworthiness.
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Fifty-fifty
Divided into two equal parts or shares, or having an equal chance of success or failure.
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Run-of-the-mill
Ordinary, average, or unexceptional; lacking any special or distinctive qualities.
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A shambles
A state of complete disorder, confusion, or inefficiency.
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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.
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Premium blade collection
A curated set of high-quality cutting instruments, often marketed for their superior performance, durability, or craftsmanship.
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Quality chef's knives
Highly functional and durable knives designed for professional culinary use, characterized by superior materials, craftsmanship, and balance.
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Professional knife assortment
A curated collection of specialized knives designed for specific tasks within a professional field, most commonly culinary arts.
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A tall order
Something that is very difficult to achieve or highly demanding to fulfill.
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Flimflam
Flimflam refers to deceptive or misleading talk or behavior, often used to swindle someone.
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Trading away one's future
To sacrifice long-term benefits or potential for immediate, often short-sighted, gain.
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a hard sell
Something that is difficult to persuade people to accept, believe, or purchase.
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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.
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a difficult customer
Someone who is hard to please, manage, or deal with, often making unreasonable demands or complaints.
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A bargaining chip
Something used as an advantage or concession to achieve a desired outcome in a negotiation.
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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').
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A rip-off
Something that is outrageously overpriced or an act of exploiting someone through unfair pricing or a dishonest deal.
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Cost a pretty penny
To be very expensive or to require a significant amount of money.
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Exorbitant price
An exorbitant price is one that is unreasonably high, far exceeding the true value or a fair market rate.
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Worth every penny
This phrase means that something is excellent value for its cost, and the benefit or quality fully justifies the money spent.
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A steal
An item or service that is purchased at an exceptionally low price, offering incredible value.
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Dirt cheap
Something that is dirt cheap is extremely inexpensive, costing very little money.
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A master of one's craft
Someone exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable in their particular profession, art, or area of expertise.
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Pay up
To pay a debt or an amount of money that is owed, especially promptly and completely.
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Shell out
To spend a significant amount of money, often reluctantly or for something expensive.
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Settle up
To pay a debt or clear an outstanding financial balance with someone.
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Exploiting price differences
Taking advantage of varying prices for the same item or asset across different markets to make a profit.
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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.
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Day trading
The practice of buying and selling financial instruments within the same trading day, with the goal of profiting from small price fluctuations.
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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.
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In the balance
The outcome or future of a situation is uncertain and currently undecided.
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Pick up where one left off
To resume an activity, conversation, or task at the exact point it was previously paused or interrupted.
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Getting fleeced
To be cheated or overcharged excessively, often leaving one with significantly less money or resources than expected.
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Cutting losses
To stop an activity that is proving unsuccessful or harmful in order to prevent further negative consequences, typically financial ones.
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Square accounts
To settle all debts, obligations, or disagreements completely, leaving nothing outstanding.
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Keep the books
To meticulously record and maintain the financial transactions and records of an organization or individual.
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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.
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Settle accounts
To finalize financial obligations by paying or receiving what is owed, or to resolve a dispute by exacting retribution.
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Acid test
An acid test is a definitive and rigorous evaluation that proves the true value, quality, or authenticity of something.
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The nuts and bolts
The essential practical details or fundamental components of a task, system, or idea.
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Hitting the nail on the head
To describe something exactly right or to identify precisely the core of an issue.
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Generic
Lacking distinctive qualities or characteristics, often referring to a product or idea that is not branded or specific.