blow off steam
(verb phrase)
to release frustration or anger that has been building up; also to celebrate or do something in a loud or noisy way
EXAMPLE:
After a week of negotiations with the union, the workers decided to have a party and blow off steam.
blue chip
(adj.)
a type of stock highly valuesd for its long record of steady or long term earnings; also a valuable property
EXAMPLE:
The investor bought 100 shares of stock in a blue chip company.
bone of contention
(noun)
a disagreement, dispute, or argument about something; a strong difference of opinion; a conflict
EXAMPLE:
A bone of contention was the division of powers between the national and provincial governments.
brand x
a marketing classification describing a product that doesn't have a highly visible or recognized name like a well-known product or "brand name"
EXAMPLE:
It was decided to buy brand x because it was less expensive.
bread and butter
(noun)
the primary or leading means of financial support, existence, or survival
EXAMPLE:
Bicycle manufacturing provides the company's bread and butter.
hindsight
Being able to see has already happened; as contrasted with being able to see what will happen in the future. (HUMOROUS, USUALLY SARCASTIC)
EXAMPLE:
“When my pompous brother-in-law told me all the business mistakes I made last year, I complimented him on his 20/20 hindsight.”
a captain of industry
An important business executive who is an influential leader. SOMETIMES HUMOROUS
EXAMPLE:
“When the mayor began eating lunch here regularly, our downtown restaurant became popular with the city’s most illustrious captains of industry.”
a fair shake
A reasonable chance to succeed.
EXAMPLE:
“Although he was a little loud and vain, which troubled all of us a bit, we decided to give the new employee a fair shake before criticizing his behavior.”
a far cry from
A great distance from (OFTEN FIGURATIVE)
EXAMPLE:
“After reading the resort’s colorful brochure we had expected a luxury hotel, but the shabby old hotel was a far cry from our expectations.”