Private Equity: A Memoir Flashcards
labyrinth [ˈlæb.ə.rɪnθ]
Yes, they kissed the line between right and wrong and the laws were morally problematic because the only people able to navigate this legal labyrinth were those with deep pockets. But they did not make these rules. As far as I could tell, they did not lobby for them either. What was wrong with following the rules and trying to gain an edge?
** 1. a place that has many confusing paths or passages**
** 2. something that is extremely complicated or difficult to understand**
ex) a labyrinth of rules and regulations
maze
discretionary [dɪˈskreʃ.ən.er.i]
My offer letter stated that I would be eligible for a discretionary bonus after one year. I took them at their word and did not expect anything.
available to be used when and how you decide
ex) There are many points in the sentencing process where prosecutors and judges can exercise discretionary authority to reduce drug sentences.
ex) School districts have discretionary funds that they can use for activities such as athletics.
gregarious [ɡrɪˈɡer.i.əs]
Martin was gregarious; Boone was not. Martin endeavored to expand his work family; Boone did not.
**(of people) liking to be with other people **
sociable
gush [ɡʌʃ]
Yuna would always gush to me about the exhibitions she saw at MoMA.
1. to express a positive feeling, especially praise, in such a strong way that it does not sound sincere
ex) “You’re just so talented!” she gushed.
2. to flow out quickly and in large amounts
ex) Oil gushed (out) from the hole in the tanker.
tether [ ˈteðə(r)]
But, me being me, I had set up Google alerts to monitor our firm as a way to stay tethered to the outside world. “Just don’t let it get to you,” Boone said when I told him about the alerts.
to use a rope or chain to tie (an animal) to something in order to keep it in a particular area
cf. tethering vs hotspot
pseudonymous [ suːˈdɑː.nə.məs]
The second was about how Carbon had made a spate of trades via pseudonymous shell companies (like many other hedge funds), allowing it to avoid certain regulations.
using or given a false name, for example as a writer
Pseudonymous: Using a fake or alternate name, with an identity hidden behind a consistent alias.
Anonymous: Entirely nameless or unknown, with no identifying information provided.
sui generis
What I believe made Carbon sui generis was its investment team and, in particular, how it was organized.
not like anyone or anything else
ex) He has been making films since 1988 and has established himself as sui generis in his viewpoint and style.
unique
perennial [pəˈren.i.əl]
In late February, Carbon held its annual Investment Team Retreat. Sloane, who was perennially speed-walking in and out of her cube in front of Neil’s office, never sat with Boone unless it was about the retreat.
lasting a very long time, or happening repeatedly or all the time
ex) the perennial problem of water shortage
ex) Roses and geraniums are perennials, flowering year after year.
repeated, everlasting
cadence [ˈkeɪ.dns ]
He mentioned Carbon was a “flat” organization and that I needed to understand its “cadence.”
the regular rist and fall of the voice
ex) Cadence is usually the hardes aspect of a foreign language to adopt.
rhythm, tempo
defer to
“The key for you,” said Boone, “is to watch closely and lern from others. Don’t step on anyone’s toes. Don’t act like you know everything. Defer to others.”
to allow someone else to make decisions.
to agree to follow (someone else’s decision)
ex) I defer to your judgement.
c.f. defer: to choose to do something at a later time
abode [ əˈboʊd ]
Because the houses there are properties of the 1 percent of the 1 percent of the 1 percent, Carbon Beach homeowners have no need or desire to rent out their abodes.
(formal + humorous) house
ex) Welcome to my humble abode
extol [ ɪkˈstoʊl ]
Jamie was the president, CEO, and chairman of the board of JPMorgan Chase, the financial services copany extolled by many as the white knight of the 2008 financial crisis.
to praise (something or someone) highly
ex) He was extolling the virtues of the single life only months ago, and now he is engaged to be married.
Stay above the fray
Boone’s advice to me was to “stay above the fray.”
to not be directly involved in a disagreement or struggle
aperture [ˈæp.ə.tʃər]
Put your head down, do good work. Don’t get caught up in office politics or gossip and you’ll be rewarded. He wanted me to reduce the aperture of my consciousness.
a small and often narrow opening, especially one that allows light into a camera
ex) “widen the aperture” - used metaphorically. expand one’s perspective
균열, 틈, 구멍; 조리개
gap
