Break the ice

Thrown in at the deep end

Don’t see eye to eye

Got into hot water

Put my foot in it

Get on like a house on fire

Like a fish out of water

Be a real eye-opener

The problem with employing people with different national backgrounds is – making them stay.

If they don’t feel part of the company, they will – leave.

In applying for their next job, they will – mention the company they have left so that people know
where they have worked.

To know something inside out – to be very familiar with something

To run over schedule – to take more time than expected

To go with the flow – to be relaxed and not worry about what you should do

To have a good/poor grasp of something – to be able/unable to understand something well

The ball is in your court – it is your responsibility to take action next

To be up to one’s eyes in work – to have a lot/ to much to do

The roads in our country are terribly dangerous, so you must be extremely careful, particularly in the
mountains.

We must ask them to dinner while they’re over here. I’m sure they’ll be delighted.

You have to renew your residence permit after three months, otherwise you might run in trouble
with the police.

Unfortunately, our railway stations are not safe, so you should be aware, at all times of what is going
on around you.

Tourists mustn’t go anywhere near military bases, especially when carrying a camera.

You should always learn something about the country before visiting all.

In some countries, you don’t have to keep eye contact for very long. People think it’s extremely rude.
You don’t have to register with your embassy, but it’s safer if you do.

I was looking forward to meeting our Malaysian agent tomorrow, but unfortunately I have to attend
an emergency meeting at headquarters.

In my country, you don’t have to tip waiters, but many people will leave a tip if they’re satisfied with
the service.

You mustn’t smoke anywhere on the premises. Smokers are only allowed on the terrace outside.

As a business traveller, of course you don’t have to speak the language perfectly, but it will help you
tremendously if you know the basics.

In most states int the USA, it’s against the law to drive faster than 65 m.p.h. on the freeway.

In most states in the USA, you mustn’t drive faster than 65 m.p.h. on the freeway.

When doing business in Italy. It’s advisable to be prepared to make plenty of small talk first.

When doing business in Italy, you should be prepared to make plenty of small talk first.

In the UAE, it’s necessary that you eat with the right hand.

In the UAE, you have to eat with the right hand.

In Brazil, you’re not obliged to say what your income is.

In Brazil, you don’t have to say what your income is.

In Italy, it is strongly advised to accept a dinner invitation.

In Italy, you should accept a dinner invitation.

You don’t have to use a mobile phone on an aeroplane.

He’s tired. I think he should take a holiday.

I’m sorry but I have to agree with her on this one.

Anyone wishing to enter the country must apply for a visa first. It’s illegal not to.

You really don’t have to come out for dinner if you don’t want to.

It’s badly paid. I shouldn’t take the job if I were you.

1. A: So Amir, where would you like to have lunch?

B: It’s very nice to see you. You decide!

2. A: Help yourself to some more stew.

B: Sorry, I don’t like horsemeat very much. I’m afraid.

3. A: Have some cognac.

 B: I’m afraid. I don’t drink anything alcoholic, but thank you anyway.

A: Excuse me a moment. I’ll be right back.

4. A: We’ve just had a baby girl. Her name’s Laura.

B: Congratulations!
5. A: Sorry. I’m so late. I got stuck in a traffic-jam.
6. A: I and 50 others are going to be made redundant.
B: I’m sorry to hear that.
7. A: Hello. It’s very nice to see you here. Welcome to our headquarters. Have you been here
before?
8. B: It was really nice talking to you, but I’m afraid I really must get going.
9. A: Could you say your name again, please. I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch it.