More Speak English Like an American Lesson 22 Idioms and Expressions MCQ Test
Lesson 22: The Team Makes Plans to Woo Madame Chu
THE TEAM MAKES PLANS TO WOO MADAME
Mark, Steve, Ron, and Sara meet to discuss the dumplings. Steve asks why they’re going into the dumpling business, but Ron says he supports the idea. Sara comes up with a new plan for approaching Madame Chu. Mark and Sara decide to fly to Beijing to present it to her.
Mark: We need a plan for Madame Chu’s dumplings.
Steve: I don’t mean to be a wet blanket, but why are we talking about dumplings? What about the meal kits?
Mark: We shouldn’t put all our eggs in one basket. You can keep working on the meal kits, while Sara and I work on the dumplings.
Steve: Aren’t we going to spread ourselves too thin?
Mark: That seems like a risk worth taking.
Ron: I agree. I think we should go for it.
Sara: What about hiring Madame Chu to develop recipes for us and using “Madame Chu” as the brand name?
Mark: I think your idea is right on the money.
Steve: Not to be a naysayer, but do you think Madame Chu will really go along with it? You said before that she didn’t want to work with us.
Mark: She’ll have a change of heart when she hears our new offer.
Ron: Let’s move full steam ahead on this. Let’s get Madame Chu to sign on the dotted line.
Mark: Okay, Sara and I will get on the next flight to Beijing to seal the deal with Madame Chu!
Ron: You’d better spend the whole week there. She may be difficult to woo.*
* woo – to seek the favor or affection of; to try to convince someone to do something
IDIOMS
- wet blanket
→ someone who discourages ideas; someone who spoils the enthusiasm of fun of a group
Example: When Tracy’s neighbors were playing loud music at 2 a.m., she knocked on their door and said, “I’m sorry to be a wet blanket, but I’m trying to sleep.”
- (to) put all one’s eggs in one basket
→ to rely too much on one thing; to put a lot at risk by replying on just one plan
Example: Investment advisors recommend holding a variety of stocks and bonds. They say it’s important not to put all your eggs in one basket.
- (to) spread oneself too thin
→ to try to do too many projects at once, so that one doesn’t give enough time to any of them
Example: The small restaurant has announced plans to publish cookbooks and produce a line of frozen foods. I think they’re spreading themselves too thin.
- risk worth taking
→ worthwhile; a plan whose benefits are greater than the risks
Example: It’s risky for David to leave his job as a corporate laywer to run an art gallery. But he says it’s a risk worth taking.
- (to) go for it
→ to procced; to pursue a certain goal (sometimes taking on risk to do so)
Example: “I’m thinking of applying to film school.” – “I think you should go for it!”
- right on the money
→ correct; sensible
Example: Your poor opinion of Ted’s girlfriend was right on the money. She ended up leaving him after she realized he wasn’t rich.
- naysayer
→ someone who speaks against something; someone who often has negative or contrary opinions
Example: I don’t mean to be a naysayer, but I don’t think your new business idea is very good.
- (to) go along with it
→ to agree to a plan
Example: Before we present our proposal to the CEO, we have to get our manager to go along with it.
- (to) have a change of heart
→ to change one’s mind
Example: The CEO said he was going to retire in a month to spend more time with his family, but then he had a change of heart and decided to stay on the job.
- (to) move full steam ahead
→ to proceed with maximum enthusiasm or energy
Example: George is moving full steam ahead with his plan to start his own software company.
- (to) sign on the dotted line
→ to agree formally to a plan or proposal
Example: We’re almost ready to buy the house, but before we sign on the dotted line, we’re going to ask the sellers to replace the roof.
- (to) seal the deal
→ to come to an agreement
Example: “Are you still interested in buying my car?” – “Yes, but before we seal the deal, I’d like to take it for another test drive.”
