Idiom: to generate buzz

Definition: to get a lot of attention; to promote; to cause people to talk about a product or service Examples: Procter & Gamble’s new toothpaste was really popular, and people talked about it a lot. It generated a lot of buzz. Facebook is in the newspapers...

Kill popular but empty words

These words are on almost every CV.  They are popular, and everyone thinks they should use them. But they are empty, and they say nothing about you.  Kill them, and replace them with something else: responsible for experienced excellent written communication...

Idiom: to call the shots

Definition: to make the decisions, to be the leader Examples: In this office, Joe is officially the boss, but everyone actually listens to Sarah first. She’s the one who calls the shots. This group is so disorganized, I don’t even know who approves new...

Idiom: to take a nosedive

Definition: to collapse, fail, lose value quickly Examples: The stock market took a nosedive during the financial crisis. If we lose permission to sell this product, our earnings will take a nosedive and we might go bankrupt.  

Idiom: to hold the line

Definition: to maintain the existing opinion, position, or status; to resist Examples: The employees are resisting the changes.  We need to train our team managers how to hold the line regarding this restructuring plan. Our competition is attacking us hard on pricing,...

Idiom: to throw money at (something)

Definition: to try to solve a problem by spending money on something Examples: You can’t solve this problem simply by throwing money at it. You need to use imagination and brains and try new things. The president of our company really wants to solve this...