Break even

have expenses equal to profits.

Application: "After only three months the company was able to break even and start making profits."

Give someone the green light

give permission to go ahead with a project.

Application: "Our boss gave us the green light to begin work on the new sales promotion."

Gain ground

go forward, make progress.

Application: "Our company has been gaining ground in our attempt to be the best in the industry."

Fill the bill

be just what is needed.

Application: "That new machine should fill the bill as to what we need to finish the job."

Bang for the buck

value for the money spent.

Application: "We were able to get a big bang for our buck when we advertised on the Internet."

In the market for

ready to buy something.

Application: "We have been in the market for a new computer for a long time but still we haven't bought one."

Sell like hotcakes

sell very quickly.

Application: "The children's toys were selling like hotcakes at the end of the year."

piece/slice of the action

a share in the activity or the profits of something.

Application: "The inventor wanted a large piece of the action of the profits from the new computer that he had invented."

Turn over

to buy and then sell something to customers.

Application: "The turn-over at that discount store is very rapid."

double-check

-check something again to confirm.

Application: "We were unable to double-check the costs of the new products before the price list was printed."

Hard sell

sell something by being very aggressive.
Application: "The car salesman gave us a hard sell so we decided to go to another dealer."

Under his own steam

by himself, without help.

Application: "Although Don was injured, he left the field under his own steam".

In the offing

something that is imminent.

Origin: A nautical term to indicate that a ship is visible from the shore and due to arrive soon

Under his own steam

by himself, without help.

Application: "Although Don was injured, he left the field under his own steam".

Raining Cats And Dogs

Raining very heavily.

Application: "Don't forget to take an umbrella with you, it is raining cats and dogs outside."

At the Drop of a Hat

Something that happens suddenly, almost without warning.

Application: "If you get an extra ticket, let me know. I would go at the drop of a hat."

Raise Your Spirits

help you feel positive, help you feel happy.

Application: "If you want to raise your spirits, just have a visit with Kari."

Close but no Cigar

Nearly achieving success, but not quite.

Application: "That free throw was close but no cigar."

Take Stock

count the items of merchandise or supplies in stock, take inventory.

Application: "The department store closes down for 3 days every March in order to take stock."

By leaps and bounds

By large amounts.

Application: "The population of Calgary has grown by leaps and bounds"