Advanced Interactive Business Idiom Exercises

Accounting & Finance

Exercise 1: Reading Comprehension

When the startup first launched, they faced a serious budget crunch. For months, they were in the red. However, their lead accountant, a real number cruncher, helped them figure out a new financial strategy. By the end of the second year, not only did they break even, but they were finally in the black. The CEO said the key was to constantly go over the books and stay on top of every expense.

1. What idiom describes the company's initial state of losing money?

a) in the black
b) budget crunch
c) in the red

2. What quality did the accountant have?

a) They were a bean counter.
b) They were a number cruncher.
c) They were saddled with debt.

Exercise 2: Word Order (Drag & Drop)

Drag the words into the box to form an idiom that means "to cancel a debt".

off a debt write

Banking & Investment

Exercise 3: Fill in the Gaps

1. We are launching a new product, which is a bit of a , but we believe it will pay off.

2. The rich investor agreed to the young filmmaker's new movie.

3. If the company fails to make payments, the bank has the right to immediately.

Exercise 4: Synonym Matching

Match the idiom with its closest meaning.

Idioms
  • 1. Bail out a company
  • 2. Bank on someone
  • 3. Have a stake in
Meanings
  • c) To have partial ownership
  • a) To rescue financially
  • b) To rely or depend on

Meetings & Communication

Exercise 5: Sentence Correction

Choose the sentence that correctly uses the idiom.

1.

a) I need to set on a meeting for next week.
b) I need to set up a meeting for next week.
c) I need to set over a meeting for next week.

2.

a) The manager's question was out of order.
b) The manager's question was out to order.
c) The manager's question was off of order.

3.

a) Could you put me through to the sales department?
b) Could you put me along to the sales department?
c) Could you put me with to the sales department?

Exercise 6: Fill in the Gaps (Multiple Choice)

1. After a long debate, they decided to ______ the discussion on salaries until the next meeting.

a) have the floor
b) table
c) second

2. The chairman ______ the motion to vote, and the proposal was passed.

a) ruled out of order
b) defeated
c) seconded

3. I was so angry at the telemarketer that I just ______ the phone on him.

a) put on hold
b) hung up
c) put through