Answer Key

Business idioms, jargon and abbreviations – Practice 2

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate word or phrase in the correct form.
  1. When a company  [downsizes] , it is attempting to find ways to improve efficiency and increase profitability.
  2. Most companies aim to improve their  [bottom] lines through two simultaneous methods: growing revenues (i.e., generate top-line growth) and increasing efficiency (or cutting costs).
  3. I think the West will make a  [killing] on Iraqi oil riches.
  4. After a thorough investigation by the aviation authorities, the airline was given a clean bill of [health] , and will resume flying tomorrow.
  5. When people move the  [goalposts] , they changed the standards required for something to their advantage.
  6. Despite having the most to lose, employees are far more likely to blow the  [whistle] on corporate wrongdoing than external watchdogs – especially if there is some sort of monetary reward for doing so.
  7. An ailing car manufacturer is reported to be in talks with a Japanese company, which will give it an  [injection] of cash and launch a joint venture.
  8. These low budget cars are selling like hot  [cakes] .
  9. The evidence was on film and the police couldn't just  [sweep] it under the carpet.
  10. It seems that most people are finally taking on  [board] the message that it's not cool to smoke.