500 frases en inglés realmente útiles (La serie completa) by Jenny Smith Page A

when you just do the bare minimum with no enthusiasm.
    Example: Even though it was good money I just felt like I was going through the motions so I quit my job and trained to become a therapist.

The Art of Negotiation

Part One

    I’ve often wondered about what makes a good negotiator. Is it just a case of being good at talking or having a strong will, or is it something more than that? In my line of work I often have to negotiate on price with suppliers. Usually I offer a much lower price and then they (most times) start to come down on price . Then we usually end up meeting somewhere in the middle. Of course there are some people who won’t negotiate and try to hold their ground, but they are usually trying to make a point rather than just trying to get a higher price. They think that if they negotiate it’s a ‘sign of weakness’ and people will try to take advantage of them. These people are pretty rare and most will, when push comes to shove , come down on price.

    Phrases:
    Line of work: this means ‘field of work’. It does not usually mean ‘job title’ but more ‘type of job’. For example if someone asks “what line of work are you in?” you would answer “banking” and not “I work for ABC Bank”.
    Example: After the recession I decided to try a new line of work.

    To come down on price: to lower the price. This is usually used when referring to a negotiation.
    Example: Even though it was overpriced he just refused to come down on the price and eventually he lost the sale because he was too stubborn.

    To end up: eventually this thing (will) happen (happened).
    Example 1: People who lie always end up getting caught.
    Example 2: I started rich but because I wasn’t careful I ended up living in poverty.

    To hold one’s ground: to not back down on your point. To not give in. To remain strong when arguing your point.
    Example: Don’t let your boss bully you around. Just hold your ground and he will eventually get tired and just leave you alone.

    When push comes to shove: this phrase describes the point where you have to do what your heart says. When you have to do what you have to do.
    Example: When push comes to shove I will always be loyal to him, even if I don’t always agree with his policies.

Part Two

    Actually, I was on holiday in Morocco once and I noticed that the people there love to barter. Just after I’d arrived there I went shopping in a local market and wanted to buy a decorated plate. I asked the shopkeeper how much it was and he told me it was about the equivalent of $3. To me this was very reasonable so I immediately agreed. It was weird because he seemed a little uncomfortable. When I got back to the hotel I told the story to the manager there. He told me that people there expect you to knock them down on price and actually enjoy bartering. After that, I literally have never looked back and always try to get the best price possible.

    Phrases:
    To knock someone down on price: this is used when you convince someone to give you a lower price on something.
    Example: If you ever buy a second hand car, make sure that you knock them down on the price as no one expects you to pay full price.

    To have never looked back: this means that some event changed your attitude and from that point on you have done things differently.
    Example: I have never looked back since I discovered online gaming. Now not only is it my hobby, but I have also built a successful business around it.

Does Ambition Equal Happiness?

Part One

    Is it wrong to be un-ambitious? I once worked with a group of young people who had absolutely no ambition whatsoever. It used to drive me nuts because it felt like they just took life for granted and never put any effort into anything. I often said to them “ the world is your oyster, why don’t you go out into the world and do something with your life?” They would always say “oh no I could never do anything, I don’t have any money”. Eventually I just gave up