Lesson 11 -- Bob Drives a Hard Bargain

 

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