Part I | Part II

14 Progress

all systems go – to be in a condition or attitude of total readiness to go ahead
to break new ground – to enter a new area of discovery or knowledge; to be a pioneer
to break the ice – to do or say smth to ease tensions between people; to start to create a more sociable, relaxed atmosphere, usually on first meeting [icebreaking]
to break through – to make sudden, positive progress by pushing through a seen or unseen barrier or obstacle [breakthrough]
to come up with – to create; devise; produce; find
to forge ahead – to make very good or rapid progress against all resistance; to develop or improve quickly
to get to (or to reach) first base (with) – to complete the first step of a series of stages towards some objective [to get past/beyond first base]
to make headway – to make progress in a particular direction, in spite of any problems or difficulties
to make progress – to move forward; to advance or to improve from some actual or imaginary starting point towards some actual or abstract objective
to open doors (for) – to prepare the ground for some future development; to create possibilities or opportunities; to break through obstacles [to pave the way (for)]
(a) step (forward) – positive movement towards an objective or improvement
to take shape – to progress from some general or uncertain theory, idea or plan towards smth with definite shape or form (but not yet completed)
to take (a) step – to take some particular action

15 Problems And Solutions

all or nothing – to be or to be aiming at one hundred per cent of smth, the only alternative being zero per cent
back against the wall – in a very difficult position; with few or no choices as to what action to take
to complete against – to try to beat or to oppose in competition
to cope (with) -  to manage a problem; to deal successfully with a difficulty
to cut one’s losses – to end or withdraw from a bad situation which can only get worse [loss-cutting]
(a) drawback – a disadvantage
to face up to – to accept smth difficult or unpleasant and confront it
in the (or as a) last resort – the only real or remaining answer or possibility when every factor or possibility has been examined, considered or tried
(a) long shot – an attempt which is unlikely to succeed
to make do (with) – to manage with or accept smth which is less than one wants or needs, because there is no other choice
make or break – to be the cause or instrument of success or failure
on the blink – not working properly; needing servicing or repair
to run (or come or be) up against - to be, or arrive, at a position where positive progress or forward movement is, or may be, blocked
to save the situation – to find an answer to a serious problem [to save the day, to save (or lose) face]
a snap (decision) – a decision taken quickly, often in response to an urgent situation, where not enough time is given to weigh up all relevant factors and possible results
the tip of the iceberg – the small, visible, part of smth much larger, the greater part of which cannot be seen [often used with negative meaning]
without fail – this is one hundred per cent sure or necessary
worth (doing) or worth it or worthwhile – likely to pay useful dividends in return for time or effort spent

16 Positive Results

to bear fruit – to produce a result
(the) end product – the final result, after completion of some process or a series of actions
for sale – on the market and available, or open, to offers to buy
in the black – operating in credit, in profit, or with a (cash) surplus; with (current) assets in axcess of (current) liabilities
to make a profit – to sell smth for more than it costs to produce [opposite in meaning to to make a loss] [profit-making]
to make money – to get, obtain or gain money through some activity [opposite in meaning to to lose money] [money-maker]
to make … work – to put and keep smth in satisfactory working order or condition, to make smth operative
to pay dividends – to produce good results
to pay (one’s) way – to produce enough money to cover or pay one’s operating or running expenses
to pull off – to carry out successfully, using skill and/or persistence, in spite of all difficulties
to take effect – to become effective or operational in fact; to have, or show, the (intended) result of some plan or action

17 Negative Result

to be (or go) out of action – to not work or operate; to fail to function or to stop working/operating/functioning
to break down – to fail; to collapse; to stop [also means to destroy]
(a) dead end – a path going nowhere; a direction or course from which there is no exit or which results in no progress [dead-end can be used as a noun]
dud – not performing the required or expected function; ineffective in result or effect
to go dead (on) – to stop working, responding or developing
to go wrong – to make a mistake; to miscalculate or misjudge; to develop negative characteristics
in the red – operationg in debit, at a loss, or with a (cash) deficit; with (current) liabilities in excess of (current) assets
in vain – unsuccessfully; without reaching one’s objective; with no result
to make a loss – to sell smth for less than its production cost [opposite in meaning to to make a profit] [loss-making]
to pay the penalty (or price) for – to suffer the negative result of one’s actions
to reach a stalemate - (in negotiation, etc) to arrive at a position where no progress can be made, where neither side can win or lose [also to reach a deadlock]
to be (or to fall) short of – to be less than needed, wanted or expected; to lack smth; to not be enough [shortfall]
to take the consequences – to accept the (negative) results of some (risky or foolish) action
(a) vicious circle – a negative situation in which any action leads only to further negative results

18 Tactics

to back down – to show a marked change of attitude or position, from being in confrontation to being passive, neutral or accepting; to withdraw
to back out (of) – to fail to carry out (or to withdraw from) some promise, arrangement, agreement or obligation
to break off – to end suddenly [also means to pause in speaking or working]
to keep (one’s) options open – to decide against taking any firm decision now, in favour of keeping a free choice for later
to lay (it) on the line – to speak clearly and frankly; to make one’s position obvious [also to spell (it) out]
to mean business – to be serious or determined in executing some intention; to be purposeful
to play ball (with) – to cooperate or negotiate with a view to doing business or reaching some agreement [informal]
to put (the) pressure on – to try to improve one’s position by use of persistence, forcefulness or threats
to rely on – to depend on; to trust
to soften up – to reduce resistance or to weaken opposition or hostility in order to achieve an objective more easily
to stand (or stick) out for – to be firmly decided not to accept less than one wants, even if it means waiting for it [also to hold out for]
to take a (firm) line (or stand) on/over – to show a (determined) intention, attitude or approach
to take (someone) out of – to use argument or discussion to persuade someone not to do smth
to take (someone) round – to persuade someone to change an attitude, intention or decision [also means to avoid speaking directly about smth]
to withdraw (from) – to leave or move away from an unsatisfactory or dangerous situation [withdrawal]

19 Attitudes Opinions And Discussion

to argue against – to oppose with logic [opposite in meaning to to argue in favour of]
to be against – to oppose; to be opposed or contrary to [opposite in meaning to to be for or to be in favour of]
the ball is in (your) court – it’s up to (you) to take action; the next step is for (you) to take; (we) await your next move
to change (one’s) mind – to change a decision or opinion
the facts speaks for themselves – the known facts of a situation clearly show the answers to any questions about them
to get across (to) – to communicate; to make clear; to reach
to get (one’s) priorities (right) – to choose the (correct) order of priorities, values, actions according to circumstances
to (have) an open mind – to be mentally flexible, to be ready and able to receive, process and (if necessary) adapt to new or opposing ideas or views [open-minded]
in (my) opinion – take the view that; my skill or experience leads me to believe that [also in my view]
to insist on – to press or impose one’s actions, wishes or views on others [insistence on]
to make (one’s) point – to succeed in making understood the logic or sence of an argument or opinion
to make clear – to explain so that there can be no possibility of misunderstanding
a matter of fact – something known or proved, or believed by the speaker, to be true or correct [matter-of-fact]
to point out – to show or indicate; to make clear; to emphasise
to put the record straight – to put right any misunderstandings; to correct any false ideas by giving the true facts
to (be) take(n) aback – to (be) cause(d) a feeling of surprise or astonishment, often also with disappointment or dismay
to take the long view – to form a decision or opinion based not only on the present position but also taking into account long-term developments
to take the view (that) – to have or be of the opinion (that)
to talk over (with) – to discuss or consider fully, in all its aspects

20 Developing Ideas And Arguments

as we have seen – as has already been shown, proved or demonstrated
as well (as) – too; also; in addition (to)
to begin (or start) with – at first; first of all; at the beginning
by the same token – for the same reason; as a logical extension of the same argument
by the way – changing the subject, incidentally, in passing
in addition (to) – also; besides; over and above; too [same as as well (as)]
in other words – saying the same thing in a different way; to summarise [also that is to say]
in passing – incidentally; by the way; another important matter (not directly connected with what I am saying) is
in the first place – first of all; for a start; as a first step; before anything else is said or done; in the first instance; to start with; to begin with; first and foremost
in the same way – similarly; likewise; by the same token
to put it (differently) – to say or explain smth (in a different way)
what is more – in addition especially; this is (even more) important

21 Disagreement and Criticism

as far as (it) goes – within certain limited incomplete or imperfect bounds
at cross purposes – having a difference of opinions, wishes or objectives, leading to confusion
to be beside the point – to have no connection with what is being discussed; to be irrelevant
(a) credibility gap – the difference or distance between what one is able, or willing, to believe and what one is asked to believe; the extent of disbelief
to have doubts about – to have a negative or uncertain reaction or feeling about
(a) matter of opinion – smth not known or proved to be true or correct; smth not believed by the speaker
on the contrary – in total contrast (to what has just been said), completely in opposition or reverse
out of the question – not a possibility [also there is no (not any) question of]
to pass the buck – to try to avoid blame or responsibility by blaming someone or smth else [buckpassing]
to shift the blame (or responsibility) (onto) – to try to transfer the weight or focus of blame or responsibility, misdirecting it from where it belongs, in order to avoid it [also to put the blame on] [same as to pass the buck]
to split hairs – to disagree or argue over smth unimportant [hairsplitting]
up to a point – partly; to same extent
(a) value judgement – an opinion or decision based on personal feelings, subjectivity or wishful thinking and not on fact, knowledge, reason or objectivity

22 Conditions

as long as – if the situation exists that, provided that, but only if
in case – if it happens that; in order to be ready for
it (or that) depends (on) - maybe; perhaps; (I) haven’t decided yet, and anyway there could be conditions; it is very uncertain
it (or that) remains to be seen – it is not yet known or decided (whether)
on condition that – (yes) but only if; (yes) but (in exchange) there is a special requirement that; on the understanding that

23 Logic and Reason

to account for – to explain; to give a full or satisfactory answer for
common sense – natural intelligence and understanding (not what is learned or taught)
to hold water – to pass or be able to pass testing or exam; to be sound
to make sense – to be logical; to have meaning; to be correct or capable of being understood
to prove (the) case (or point) – to show that an opinion or argument is correct or true
to tie in (with) – to match; to correspond with; to fit (or to make or cause to fit); to corroborate; to coordinate

24 Balancing Arguments

either way – this is the single or inevitable result whatever happens or is done (or whether it is true or not) [also one way or the other]
for (and) against – in agreement with and contrary to
on balance – after considering all positive and negative features; all things considered; taking into account all factors for and against
on the one hand… on the other (hand) – in contrast
(the) pros and cons – the positive and negative aspects, features, factors or arguments
to take into account (or consideration) – to include as one of the important factors or things connected with a question, calculation or situation [also to take account of]
to weigh up – to form an opinion or reach a conclusion by analyzing and assessing information

25 Steps to Understanding

at first sight – apparently at first; when seen for the first time [also at first glance]
at a glance – by looking quickly
to be in the dark – to not know; to be without information [note: to keep in the dark means to deliberately make sure (someone) does not know]
to be in the picture – to know; to have information [note: to put in the picture means to give information; to keep in the picture means to keep informed]
crystal clear – clear beyond any doubt; without possibility of misunderstanding
(a) first impression – first feeling, or initial reaction, caused as a result of a new experience or situation
to leave open – to delay a decision or conclusion until after further discussion or action
on the face of it – apparently (but not necessarily); as seems at first (and on the limited information available) to be true
on second thoughts – after giving the matter further consideration [also on reflection]
on the surface – upon looking at what can be seen from the outside, superficially
(a) second opinion – an opinion (usually expert) from someone not directly involved in a matter, where there is doubt or disagreement between those directly involved
to see the light – to change from a wrong or mistaken belief,  intention or course of action; to realize that one has been wrong
to see reason – to be persuaded by fair or logical argument
to sleep on it – to take a short time (until the next day) to think smth over before coming to a decision (informal)
to throw light on – to give a reason or explanation for smth which is not clear or apparent, to enable understanding [also to shed light on]
wise after the event – to realize, after smth has happened, what should (or should not) have been done before it happened
with hindsight – with the help of an understanding of events which is only possible after they have happened

26 Summarising

all in all – taking everything into account and weighing it up; summarizing by comparing the positive and negative factors
(a) bare outline – a short description; a few words giving only the most important facts [also (the) bare bones]
in brief – briefly; to summarise; in a word; in other words [also in short]
in effect – not in itself or directly, but in reality; in its actual meaning, effect or result; in Practice; for all practical purposes
in essence – basically; fundamentally; as to only the central or most important facts or circumstances
in a nutshell – briefly; to summarise in a few words
in a word – briefly; in short; to summarise [same as in other words; in brief]
the long and the short of it – to summarise the main, basic or essential facts or result
that is (to say) – in other words; put differently

27 Steps to Compromise and Agreement

to agree on – to reach or make agreement about
to agree to – to accept
to agree with – to have the same opinion as; to come to the same conclusion as
to be in line with – to be in conformity or agreement with
common ground – a shared area of agreement or understanding; an overlap of aims or interests
to compromise (with) (over) - to reach agreement by modifying or reducing one’s stated objectives
to do business (with) – to trade or negotiate with a view to making money
to draw up – to arrange, prepare, draft or compose a written document
give and take – to make compromises or an exchange of concessions so that everyone gains or loses to the same extent
to go along with – to share the same opinion as; to be or act in agreement with
in agreement (with) – showing or having a shared opinion or conclusion
in so far as – to the degree, extent or amount that; in the sense that
to make (or do) a deal (with) – to reach a business or commercial agreement
to meet (someone) half day – to compromise by a reduction in one’s own demands, in return for a corresponding concession
off the record – unofficially; not for the record; in confidence; not to be repeated, used or relied on in any way
on (these) line(s) – in this way; according to or by following this method, procedure, formula or pattern [also along (these) lines]
on (these) terms – in line with conditions or arrangements proposed or imposed
other things being equal – only if other factors, conditions or circumstances (not directly being discussed) remain unchanged
to see eye to eye (with) – to agree, compromise or cooperate by first appreciating the other’s thoughts and needs
to settle (one’s) differences – to reach agreement or compromise on points or areas of disagreement in a discussion or relationship, so that only agreement remains
to smooth out – to remove problems or difficulties by discussing or action; to sort out; to put right [also to iron out; to straighten out]
to take note of – to note, record or consider (when deciding or taking action) smth which is indirectly connected, but which is not a factor to be taken into account
to take (the) point – to understand a reason, argument or point of view, but not necessarily to agree with it (also to see the point)
to think over – to summarise mentally in order to decide one’s present attitude or position with a view to future actions or decisions
to thrash out – to solve or to overcome a problem (or to reach a solution) by frank discussion [informal]
what if…? – suppose…?
without prejudice (to) – without reducing any existing right or withdrawing any existing claim, but in an effort to reach a compromise

28 Reasons for Decisions

the acid test – the most effective and essential test of a quality
to base on – to use as a basis; ground or system of reasoning
in (or under) the circumstances – in this particular situation; because of (special) conditions or influences
in that case – because of that; that being so; since that is the reality of the situation
in the final analysis – from a process of logic, it can ultimately be seen; when all the facts have been examined it is clear
in the light (of) – according to; in relation to; when seen in relation to the following evidence; what is now clear (from) [note: in a new light means in a different, flesh way (of seeing, knowing or understanding)]
in view of – taking into account; considering; because of
on the basis (of) – using smth as a test or justification for reaching a conclusion; in accordance with a certain standard; in conformity with some requirement
on the ground(s) of (or that) - for the following reason(s); for the reason that; because of the fact or belief that [same as on the basis of]

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