[Mastering Business Idioms and Numerical Expressions]-[Episode 78 - Numbers]

English Vocabulary Booster · B1 · 2020-12-16

📋 Summary

Mastering Business Idioms and Numerical Expressions

In this episode of English Vocabulary Booster, host Lara explores the nuances of business-related English through a humorous workplace scenario. By analyzing a story about a boss who misinterprets a company sales graph, the episode introduces five essential English expressions and phrases used to discuss data and professional situations.

1. Never in a Million Years

Lara introduces the phrase "never in a million years" to describe something that is perceived as impossible or completely unimaginable. In the context of the story, the boss uses this phrase to express the shock of having to announce bad news. Lara emphasizes that this idiom is used when one wants to stress that an event was beyond their expectations, sharing her own personal example: "Never in a million years would I have thought that I would move to Spain."

2. Back to Square One

When the boss realizes the company’s progress has vanished, he describes the situation as being "back to square one." This expression refers to a situation where all previous efforts have been negated, forcing a person to start over from the beginning. Lara notes that being back to square one often leaves people feeling "sad and demotivated" or "hopeless," and she illustrates this with her personal experience of having to rebuild her winter wardrobe after moving between countries.

3. Ballpark Figure

To explain how to discuss estimates without needing perfect accuracy, the episode introduces the term "ballpark figure." This is defined as an approximate estimate used when the exact numbers are unavailable. It is a common professional tool in corporate settings, especially when discussing sales or long-term projections, such as Lara’s attempt to provide a "ballpark figure" for the world's population in 2050.

4. Do the Math

Lara explains that to "do the math" means to perform calculations to understand a situation. In the boss's narrative, he "did the math" and incorrectly concluded the company was failing. Lara clarifies that this phrase is used when analyzing facts or costs, sharing that she frequently uses a calculator to "do the math" when determining if she can afford professional services for her website development.

5. Quadruple

Finally, the episode covers the term "quadruple," which means for a number to become four times bigger. When the employee, Mike, corrects the boss by pointing out that sales have "quadrupled," he highlights a significant growth rather than a loss. Lara uses this as a simple math exercise, demonstrating that if a company makes $2,000, quadrupling that figure results in $8,000, turning a moment of professional embarrassment into a success story.

Conclusion

This episode provides a practical look at how to navigate business discussions using idiomatic language. By integrating these terms—never in a million years, back to square one, ballpark figure, do the math, and quadruple—learners can communicate more effectively and confidently in professional environments.

🎯Key Sentences

What is up, you guys?

I was definitely, I forgotten how cold it could get

I don't know what's wrong with this house

Please, take a seat.

Never in a million years did I think I would have to tell you this.

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📝Key Phrases

never in a million years

back to square one

ballpark figure

do the math

let someone go

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📖 Transcript

Welcome to a new episode of English Vocabulary Booster.

My name is Lara and I'm a SALSA-certified English teacher.

Learning new vocabulary usually takes a long time, but we'll do it in a way that's easy, quick and efficient.

In every episode, we'll learn how to use five new English words or expressions, so that you too can start speaking like a native.

So let's get learning.