11-29-2023

Hello everyone, it's been such a beautiful day here in Tokyo. Our idiom for today is way off the mark. This means completely wrong. Example 1 Our year end projections were way off the mark. Example 2 My boss was way off the mark in regards to the latest trend.

10-30-2023

It's such a beautiful day here in Tokyo. We hope you are enjoying it! Our idiom for today is up in the air. This means something is still not decided. Example 1 I haven't heard from that company since I took the interview. Everything must still be up in the air. Example 2 Everything is still up in the air in regards to my trip to Singapore. But I have to make a decision soon.

09-21-2023

Hello everyone, we hope you are enjoying speaking English. Our idiom for today is "throw in the towel". This means to admit defeat. Example 1 It looks like we didn't get the contract. I guess we will have to throw in the towel and look for other leads. Example 2 After struggling for years the company finally threw in the towel.

08-29-2023

The end of summer is approaching. We hope everyone had a nice time with friends and family. We are back at it today with another business idiom. Thick skin. This means someone is not easily hurt by criticism. Example 1 The politician had to make some very tough decisions and he was attacked by the radical left constantly. He has thick skin, so was able to deal with it. Example 2 My boss had some really thick skin. He was always attacked for the decisions he made, but in the end, all of them...

07-19-2023

Japanese summers are tough to handle. Very hot and very humid. Be careful out there. Todays idiom is "back to square one". This means to go back to the beginning. Example 1 I want to start a new business, so I looked at several franchises, but I couldn't find anything I was interested in. Now I'm back to square one. Example 2 I had to go back to square one after spending days trying to solve a problem at work. It's so frustrating.

06-12-2023

Wow!! Time sure flies when you are busy. It is our busy season!! Our phrase for today is a lot on my plate. This means very busy with a lot of responsibilities. Example 1 Since starting my new job, I have a lot on my plate. Example 2 I haven't talked to Tom in a long time. I'm sure he has a lot on his plate after he started his own business.

04-30-2023

Golden Week is upon us again. We hope everyone enjoys their down time. Our idiom for today is tighten our belts. This means a rigorous reduction of spending. Example 1 Now that the recession is here we need to tighten our belts. Example 2 I have to tighten my belt because I may lose my job at the end of my contract.

04-10-2023

Hello everyone! We have been so busy with training that we haven't updated the blog recently. But never fear, we are here. Our idiom for today is play hardball. This means being firm and ruthless in order to get what you want. Example 1 Many people like the CEO and say he is a nice guy, but he can also play hardball when needed. He's a good guy to have on our team. Example 2 The last meeting we had with the client didn't go as I planned. They were really playing hardball. I will better prepare...

02-14-2023

Good morning to all our students! It's still cold here in Tokyo. Looking forward to some warmer weather soon. Our idiom for today is pull the plug. This means to stop something or discontinue. Example 1 We had to pull the plug on the new project because nobody saw the benefits. Example 2 The company pulled the plug on all overseas trips due to corona virus.

01-24-2023

Welcome to 2023! Our idiom for today is headhunt. This means to recruit the best people for a high level position. Example 1 I received a call yesterday from a recruiter who wants to headhunt me for a new position in Thailand. Example 2 My friend works for a headhunting company and he tells me that when he places a person in a new position he makes about $10,000. He makes so much money it's crazy.