1. On a shoestring
When you do something on a shoestring, you're working on a tight budget or with very little money.
For example:
“It's going to be a challenge doing such a big project on a shoestring but we'll try our best.”
2. Sleeping partner
You certainly don't want to get the wrong end of the stick when your boss introduces you to a sleeping partner. This is a person closely connected to the company who may even be financing it, but there is no—I repeat, no—romance going on.
A sleeping partner gets this term because they're not actively helping to manage the company, though they are invested in it. Another term for this is silent partner.
For example:
“Oh, he doesn't really have any say in the way we work. He's just a sleeping partner.”
3. Cash cow
Cash cow is a term for a product or investment that provides a steady income, usually an amount that far exceeds the initial startup cost.
For example, the Coca-Cola company sells a lot of products from juices to teas to energy drinks, but the original Coke is likely their cash cow.
For example:
“These new products are just additional profit. The cash cow is our line of cameras.”
4. Deep pockets
This isn't a reference to extreme tailoring! It means help in the form of a wealthy investor or group of investors.
In other words, someone with deep pockets simply has a lot of money to spare.
For example:
“Let's ask Mrs. Henderson for help. She has deep pockets.”
5. Go belly up
If a project or business goes belly up, it has failed to generate profit. This could result in bankruptcy or the company going into receivership.
For example:
“That new restaurant closed down already because they went belly up.”
6. Take a bath
Here's one of those business expressions with a comparison that doesn't really make sense.
Taking a bath can be a refreshing, relaxing thing. But not in the business world.
If you take a bath, it means you suffered a heavy financial loss.
For example:
“The landlord is taking a bath on his property. He has no tenants!”
7. Tighten your belt
Just swap the word “belt” for “budget,” and this will be easy to remember. If you tighten your belt, you are cutting extra costs and trying to keep your budget lean (small; skinny).
If your company took a bath and losses are severe, it could lead to cuts being made. The company and employees will have to tighten their belts, or reduce how much money is spent.
For example:
“We're going to have to tighten our belts. Unfortunately, our sales last month weren't as nearly as high as usual.”
8. A slice of the pie
When profits soar, you can guarantee employees will be looking for a share of the wealth, or a slice of the pie. This business English expression simply refers to a portion of profits or benefits.
An alternative expression is a slice of the cake.
For example:
“She wants a bigger slice of the pie because she knows she's the best employee.”
9. The lion's share
The lion's share is the “bulk” or “majority” of something.
Many well-run businesses reward hard work and it is only right that those employees who put in the most time, energy and effort should receive the lion's share, or the bulk of the profits.
For example:
“Paul has been here for 25 years and definitely gets the lion's share around here.”
10. Golden handcuffs
While they may sound like some sort of toy, golden handcuffs (not real handcuffs) are financial incentives given to employees in order to persuade them not to leave a company.
For example:
“Unlocking your golden handcuffs will give you much greater peace of mind.”
11. Golden handshake
Many executives have golden handshake clauses in their contracts. A golden handshake refers to a financial package that the executive will receive if they lose their job.
For example:
“Mr. Smith's golden handshake served him well. He got $100,000 when he left the company last year.”
12. Kickbacks
The corporate world is tough. It may be tempting to beat out the competition by giving kickbacks, or payments for special favors (like winning a contract). But kickbacks are often unethical or even illegal—especially if they could be classified as bribes!
For example:
“The company is facing a government investigation because they think the executives are getting illegal kickbacks.”
