Business English Bits Issue 140
The 10-min homework newsletter that supports your advanced business and English language learning...
Good morning and welcome to Tuesday’s issue of Business English Bits.
Today’s chosen Youtube video report comes from CNBC and delves into the welcome return of the cheap $5 value meal to the menu of many fast food outlets.
After the Covid pandemic many restaurant chains removed the value meal from their offering as food prices and staffing costs rose more than 40% in a couple of years. Many customers had generated savings during this period and as companies passed on higher costs to customers. Surprisingly, in most cases, the fast food chain’s bottom lines* were not effected.
*Bottom line (cn) - Total of an account or balance sheet
In the recent quarters, however, growth has stalled* for many US restaurant chains. The cost of living crisis is still ongoing and cash-strapped** diners have turned to supermarkets to cover their eating needs.
*To Stall (v) - To stop or cause to stop making progress
**Cash-strapped (adj) - Not have enough money to cover desired needs
This situation has led to companies such as McDonalds to reintroduce the $5 meal in the hope of getting more people through the doors. Although some fast food franchisees have been reluctant* to see bargain** prices return, strategist believe that these returning clients could also buy higher priced items, thus increasing profits and market share.
*Reluctant (adj) - Unwilling; disinclined
**Bargain (adj) - Cheap
Focus on some key new verbs from the video …
VIDEO: - CNBC (5min) - Why Fast Food Chains Like McDonald’s, Wendy’s And Taco Bell Brought Back Value Meals
Key Words - (Smth = Something; Sb=Someone; Col=Colloquial)
To Roll out (pv) - To introduce a new product or service
To Turn off (pv) - To cause sb to feel bored or repelled by smth
To Unveil (v) - To uncover or reveal smth for the first time
To Revive (v) - To give new strength or energy to smth
Playbook (n) - Stock of usual tactics or methods.
To Spark (v) - To provide the stimulus for smth
To Step away (pv) - To stop being involved in smth
To Skyrocket (v) - To increase dramatically
To Pinch (v) - To economize unduly
Craving (n) - Powerful desire for smth
Advocacy (n) - Public support for or recommendation
Boon (n) - Smth extremely useful, helpful, or beneficial
To Yield (v) - To provide or produce
Forefront (n) - Position of greatest importance or prominence
To Resonate (v) - To produce a positive feeling, emotional response, or opinion
To Outpace (v) - To go, rise, or improve faster than smth
Word of the Day … Guess the missing key word. Answer given below with examples!
Some new idioms to review …
Word of the Day Answer:
Upfront (adj) - Bold, Honest and Frank
Examples:
“She's very upfront about why she wants to get the promotion.”
“The firm is very being upfront about what happened at the event.”
Have a great Tuesday and see you tomorrow for the phrasal verb test …
Kevin