Idioms (from the speaker)

To begin heading in the right direction after a detour, to recover from a temporary bad spell.

The company was struggling after last year’s merger, but I think they are getting back on track now.

Getting Back on Track

Expending time/ money/people into a particular venture

Many people feel that the government should not continue pouring its resources into bank bailouts.

Pouring Resources into….

Good; something that gets a good review

The movie was so exciting; I give it two thumbs up.

Two Thumbs Up

To have an investment, share or involvement

After purchasing a large amount of stock, Mary held a personal stake in the success of her new company.

Personal Stake

There is not enough information to make a decision about how well a course of action has turned out.

Although the Obama administration has claimed that the stimulus package will help the economy, the jury is still out.

The Jury is Still Out

Starting to work at a company or organization at a low level, hoping to advance after time.

I am not sure if I should take the job. It is less pay than I would like, but it would enable me to get my foot in the door.

Get a Foot in the Door

Another way of saying “that’s my opinion” or “that’s how I view things”

The U.S. economy is in a lot of trouble right now; well, that’s my take on the situation.

That’s My Take

to give everyone the same advantages and opportunities

We need to level the playing field in trade policy.

Level the Playing Field

to be fully informed or up to date on some matter

It takes a long time to get the elderly up to speed on the new technologies.

Up to Speed

a critical or disastrous situation created by a powerful mix of factors

The U.S. economy is a perfect storm because it took several events together to create the problematic housing bubble.

Perfect Storm

If someone gets a slap on the wrist, they get a very minor punishment when they could have been punished more severely.

The bank robber escaped with a slap on the wrist when the judge sentenced him to 10 days in jail.

Slap on the Wrist

wait to see if something turns out well

Obama proposed new trade initiatives, but we’ll see how it pans out in 10 to 20 years.

See How it Pans Out

to start to improve at a quicker rate

There are signs that the U.S. economy is picking up steam.

Pick Up Steam