IDIOMS. 1
summing something up in just a few words
IN A _______LL
IN A NUTSHELL
"In a nutshell, the owners thought they knew best."
Read the sentence. Guess the best idiom to replace the phrase.
We don't agree, but that's OK.
AGREE TO DISAGREE
Name 3 things to make sure both sides leave the meeting angry.
- interrupt constantly
- blame the other side for everything
- refuse to listen and acknowledge any valid point
- bring up old unrelated conflicts
- raise your voice or sigh loudly
- use sarcasm or passive aggression
What are the ____ - haves instead of nice-to-haves (moving from positions to interests)
MUST-HAVES
You're trying to find a compromise in a budget discussion.
You say: "Can we _____T in the _____E on this?
Can we MEET IN THE MIDDLE on this?
Read the sentence. Guess the best idiom to replace the phrase.
Let's start the conversation in a friendly way.
Let's BREAK THE ICE.
Name 3 things you should do if you want to be remembered as 'the worst negotiator ever'
- talk only about yourself, ignore shared interests
- refuse to compromise on anything
- change your position every 5 minutes
- ignore the agenda completely
- take credit for others' ideas-avoid eye-contact
- speak for others without checking their views
-dismiss small talk
Can we identify a small ___e_ where we can agree today? (managing impasse)
You're a manager calming down two colleagues.
You say: "Let's ____ the ___R and move forward".
Let's CLEAR THE AIR and move forward.
Read the sentence. Guess the best idiom to replace the phrase.
This situation is unclear and confusing.
It's a GREY AREA.
Suggest 3 actions that will destroy TRUST in a mediation session.
- share confidential information without consent
- take sides openly
- make promises you can't keep
- dismiss someone's emotions or concerns
- rush the process without clarifying positions
- use power or status to dominate the conversation
- make assumptions instead of asking questions.
What would need to change for this to feel ______le? (managing impasse).
WORKABLE
Complete the sentence.
Before we sign the contract, we need to
_a___(x4) _o___(x4) the __n_(x5) ___s (x6)
NAIL DOWN THE FINER POINTS
Read the sentence. Guess the best idiom to replace the phrase.
This is the main problem we can't solve.
It's a KEY STICKING POINT.
- accept unrealistic expectations to "please the client"
- promise delivery without involving the team
- dismiss concerns raised by technical experts
- ignore holidays, peak periods, external dependencies
- treat the deadline as fixed even if the scope changes
- avoid discussing what happens if the deadline slips
Let's agree on some ____n_ rules for today. (setting the stage and rules)
GROUND
Complete the sentence
The meeting started with confusion and tension - I think we -
___(x3) ___(x3) ___(x2) the ____(x5) ____(x4).
GOT OFF ON THE WRONG FOOT
Read the sentence. Guess the best idiom to replace the phrase.
I am flexible about deadlines, but I refuse to work at weekends.
I am flexible about deadlines, but I DRAW THE LINE at working at weekends.
Name 3 things you should do to guarantee failure in salary negotiation.
- avoid discussing measurable achievements or impact
- focus only on personal needs
- have no clear goal or salary range
- show no understanding of the company's financial context or ignore the market conditions
- react defensively to feedback
- choose the wrong moment to bring it up
Let me r_____ that ___k to ensure I understood. (active listening and validation)
REFLECT BACK