The same fifteen words as the cards above, written out in full — easy to scan, search or print.

hear me outB2phrase

Asks someone to let you finish speaking before they decide, so it asks for patience rather than agreement.

“I know it sounds expensive, but hear me out.”

a ballpark figureB2idiom

A rough number given before the details are settled, an estimate rather than an exact price.

“As a ballpark figure, around two thousand, but don’t quote me.”

what’s in it for me / us?B1phrase

The question a listener asks, aloud or silently, to find out how they will benefit from an idea or offer.

“I’d be happy to help with the move, but what’s in it for me?”

the bottom line is…B2idiom

Introduces the one most important fact that decides everything in a discussion.

“The bottom line is, we can’t afford a bigger flat this year.”

take it or leave itB1idiom

Says that an offer is final, so the other person must accept it as it is or walk away.

“Three hundred for the bike, cash, take it or leave it.”

entertainingB1adjective

Enjoyable to watch or listen to, and good at holding your attention.

“The lecture was surprisingly entertaining for a Monday.”

talkyB2adjective

Full of conversation rather than action, usually said about a film, play or book.

“It’s a talky play, so sit near the front.”

zestyB2adjective

Lively, sharp and full of energy, like the taste of lemon peel.

“She gave a zesty speech that woke the room.”

waryB2adjective

Careful and a little suspicious because you think something might be a problem or a trick.

“My landlord is wary of tenants with pets, so I sent him a reference from my last flat.”

salvageC1verb

To save something that is failing or badly damaged, so that it is not completely lost.

“We tried to salvage the evening by ordering a pizza after the restaurant cancelled our booking.”

protocolB2noun

The official or accepted way of doing something, especially in a company or formal situation.

“Company protocol says you have to email your manager before you call a client directly.”

shrewdC1adjective

Clever at understanding situations and people, and good at making decisions that help you.

“It was a shrewd move to book the tickets before the prices went up.”

prototypeC1noun

The first model of a new product, built to test the idea before it is made in large numbers.

“The team showed us a prototype of the app, and half the buttons did not work yet.”

unprecedentedC1adjective

Never having happened or been done before.

“The shop had an unprecedented number of customers on the first day of the sale.”

hagglingB2noun

Arguing about the price of something until the buyer and the seller agree.

“After ten minutes of haggling at the market, I got the lamp for half the price.”