Lesson 8 - Discussing a Difficult Decision

Question 1

repeatedly changing one’s mind about something having trouble settling on an opinion or decision

Answer 1

BACK AND FORTH ON AN ISSUE

Should we change our company health care plan? I
can’t make up my mind: I go back and forth on the issue.

Question 2

conflicted
having conflicting ideas about something
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Answer 2

OF TWO MINDS

Many consumers are of two minds about buying
organic produce. On the one hand, it is often more expensive than regular produce. On the other hand, it may be healthier.

Question 3

a difficult decision
something difficult to predict

Answer 3

TOUGH CALL

It was a tough call, but the company finally decided
to close its factory in South Carolina.

Question 4

ineffective
lacking will-power
indecisive
incapable of making clear decisions

Answer 4

WISHY-WASHY

Wendy is very wishy-washy. She changed her mind
a hundred times about which packaging design to use for the new product.

Question 5

to make a difficult or painful decision
to take a difficult step

Answer 5

TO BITE THE BULLET

When demand was down, U.S. automakers had to
bite the bullet and cut jobs.

Question 6

to try something out before committing to it
to see what the response or outcome will be to an intended action

Answer 6

TO TEST THE WATERS

Before quitting his job as a lawyer to become a chef, Chad tested the waters by working weekends at a restaurant.

Question 7

a situation or product that offers two very different advantages at the same time

Answer 7

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

BMW’s new sports car offers the best of both worlds: a reliable car that’s also fun to drive.

Question 8

to take the first step
to make a big move to get something started
to make a commitment

Answer 8

TO PUT A STAKE IN THE GROUND

Our business in California has grown steadily over the past two years. Now is the time to put a stake in the ground and open a regional office there.

Question 9

good decision

Answer 9

GOOD CALL

Good call on buying Google stock. It has gone way
up since you bought it.

Question 10

to feel bad later about one’s decision

Answer 10

TO LIVE TO REGRET A DECISION

The mayor agreed to allow a new dump to be built in town, but he later lived to regret his decision.

Question 11

I have a strong feeling that
my intuition hints that

Answer 11

MY GUT TELLS ME

It’s true that I don’t know him well, but my gut tells
me that James is the right person for the sales director position.