Lesson 11 -- Bob Drives a Hard Bargain
Speak English Like an American -- Lesson 11
Carol from the Village Market calls Bob to discuss Susan's Scrumptious Cookies. Carol and Bob discuss how much Bob will receive for each cookie.
Carol: Hi Bob. How's it going?
Bob: Fine thanks, Carol. How are you?
Carol: Can't complain. Bob, I've had a chance to crunch some numbers. I can pay you 50 cents per cookie.
Bob: That's out of the question. At that price, it is not worth our while.
The ingredients alone cost us 30 cents per cookie.
Carol: Okay, let me sweeten the deal -- 60 cents per cookie?
Bob: Carol, my wife and I need to make a living from this business.
Carol: Okay okay, you've twisted my arm. I'll pay you 75 cents per cookie. Take it or leave it.
Bob: Now you are talking. We'll take it.
Carol: You drive a hard bargain, Bob.
Bob: Yes, but we make a good cookie.
Carol: Let's get the ball rolling. Bring me 2000 cookies on Monday morning by 9a.m.
Idioms,
Can’t complain – things are going well; I’m fine
(to)crunch numbers – to perform calculations(especially financial calculations)
(to)drive a hard bargain – to be tough in negotiating an agreement; to negotiate something in one’s favor
(to) get the ball rolling – to get started
How’s it going? – How are you?
(to) make a living – to earn enough money to support oneself
Now you’re talking – you’re saying the right thing
Out of the question – impossible
(to) sweeten the deal – to make an offer more attractive
Take it or leave it – accept or reject an offer, usually a final one
(to)twist (someone’s)arm – to persuade someone; to convince someone
Worth one’s while – worthy of one’s effort or time
