During the first business ESL podcast in this series, we studied many such war and military related idioms. We learned the meaning of “taking flak,” “reinforcing one’s position,” “laying low,” “making a move” and many others. In this podcast, we will continue exploring useful war idioms.

The dialog picks up where we left off at the Luminex management meeting. Jane has just explained that they need to think “strategically.” He explains that this means “laying low,” by which he means waiting to take action until the economy improves.

As you listen, pay attention to the war idioms Jane and her colleagues use. You may not understand them the first time. After you hear the debrief, go back and listen again, then things should be much clearer.

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Listening Questions: BEP 74 ADV – Idioms: Business is War (Part 2)

1) What does Jane mean when she says their competitor, Meyers, is its own worst enemy?

With the economy worsening, Jane feels that Meyers will not be able to continue or sustain its aggressive strategy of both releasing mid-range products to compete with Luminex and maintaining a leading position in the premium market. Meyers’ strategy will defeat itself, so Meyers is “its own worst enemy.”

2) The speakers describe their new strategy as an “ambush” that will “surround” Meyers. Why do they say this? What is the strategy?

They mean that when the economy starts to improve (consumer spending picks up) they can both refresh, that is re-release or re-advertise, their mid-range products as well as release a premium product to attack Meyers’ traditionally strong position in the high end of the market. Since this is attacking Meyers from both sides, it “surrounds” Meyers. Also, it will be unexpected, so it is an “ambush.”