下面这些非常有用的商务英语短语及表达方式，可以帮助你在贸开发信或商务沟通时更好地明白对方的意思，可以让你写出或说出更流利和地道的商务英语。每个短语都配有一个例子，可以帮助你在真实商务环境中使用这些短语。
如果你曾经花时间学习过这些短语，但已经忘记了，现在是重温这些商务英语表达方式的好时候。
1. 800 pound gorilla – 最大、最强的集团或公司
例句：If we follow our plan to make this new software, we’re going to have a lot of competition, including from the 800 pound gorilla, Microsoft.
2. (a rising tide that) lifts all boats – 普惠大众
例句：We’re only number three, but the current economic growth will lift all boats, so we’re sure to make a profit this year.
3. an old hand – 老江湖
例句：He can help us set up a company in Beijing. He’s been working in China for many years and speaks Chinese fluently. He’s an old China hand.
4. at the 11th hour – 临阵磨枪
例句：I was shocked that they reached an agreement at the eleventh hour after weeks of squabbling.
5. on a shoestring – 拮据
例句：They started their company on a shoestring and built it up to one of the largest companies in the world!
6. bring to the table – 竭尽所能可以提供的东西
例句：I will meet with Teacher Joe’s new company to show him what we can bring to the table.
7. carve out a niche – 找到一个你能控制的特殊市场
例句：To succeed in this competitive world, you have to focus on part of it. Try to carve out a niche and be number one in that are.
8. deep pockets – 财大气粗
例句：If there is a price war, we won’t win because we don’t have deep enough pockets.
9. down time – 由于没有设施设备而无法工作时
例句：There will probably be a lot of down time at the conference, so I’m bringing a lot of paperwork.
10. (draw) a line in the sand – 板上钉钉
例句：We have to draw a line in the sand so they will see that this is really our final offer.
11. free ride – 白吃白喝
例句：Of course we should make them pay for our travel expenses. Why should we give them a free ride?
12. from day one – 自始至终
例句：Teacher Joe has been providing the best English-learning web site from day one!
13. get your foot in the door – 一个在将来可以变成一个大机会的小机会
例句：Right now, I just want to get my foot in the door, so they can see what I can do. Next year I hope to start moving up in the company.
14. I need it yesterday – 非常紧急
例句：Can I send that report to you later this afternoon?” “No! I need that report yesterday!
15. a two-way street – 两全其美
例句：We want to help you, but we need your help too. It should be a two-way street.
16. it will never fly – 成不了
例句：We don’t have to worry about their idea competing with ours. It will never fly.
17. it’s a jungle out there – 困难重重，竞争激烈
例句：Do you think a new company can survise without a unique product? It’s a real jungle out there!
18. jump through hoops – 非常努力，使劲儿
例句：He’s a tough boss. All of his subordinates have to jump through hoops to prove their loyalty to the company.
19. put your cards on the table – 掏心掏肺
例句：I think it’s time to put all of our cards on the table. Here’s what we need…
20. learning curve – 花时间才能学会新东西
例句：This new software has a long learning curve, so we have to give our staff enough time to learn how to use it well.
21. level playing field – 所有的人或群体享有平等的条件
例句：The WTO agreement helps to level the playing field, which gives us the chance to compete anywhere in the world.
22. the lion’s share – 最大的部分
例句：If we want the lion’s share of the profit, we’ll have to do the lion’s share of the work.
23. number crunching – 数据分析/验算
例句：I’ll go back to my office and do some number crunching, then tell you the results tomorrow.
24. pipe dream – 虚无缥缈的东西
例句：Do you think we can really live on the moon some day, or is it just a pipe dream?
25. play hardball – 硬碰硬，强硬对待
例句：If he tries to block this deal in any way, we’ll just have to start playing hardball.
26. power lunch – 一个在饭局上完成的大买卖
例句：The top executives met with their bankers at the best restaurant in town. It was a real power lunch!
27. push the envelope – 超越现状
例句：Teacher Joe is always pushing the envelope by giving us new activities such as dictations, jokes and interesting discussion topics.
28. put on the map – 扬名，出镜，上榜
例句：They’ve had some good products in the past, but nothing special. This new device is so good that it finally puts them on the map.
29. savvy – 聪明的，有智慧的
例句：He’s a savvy investor so there is a high probability this project will be successful.
30. sea change – 大变动
例句：Globalization has brought about a sea change. Those who don’t change will end up sinking!
31. flying by the seat of your pants – 凭直觉，主观臆断
例句：Who knows if they will succeed or not? Without a clear business plan, they are just flying by the seat of their pants.
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