Cash on Order (CWO) is a payment method where cash is given at the time of placing an order. This creates a binding agreement between the buyer and seller, with the seller obligated to deliver the goods and the buyer making a covenant to receive them. The transaction is completed quickly, without the need for […]
Taxes and spending have a controversial history in politics, with some accusing politicians of funding unnecessary projects and creating budget deficits. Solutions proposed include lowering government spending and temporarily raising taxes, or prepaying investments before collecting taxes. Debates on tax standards are likely to continue as regions face financial crises. Taxation has a long history […]
“Volume removed” note appears on the consolidated tape during heavy trading periods, indicating that some data may be omitted to catch up. This can put traders at risk of making decisions based on out-of-date information. The note means only stock symbols and prices will be displayed, with volume information for small volume trades removed. The […]
“Subject to a mortgage” means transferring property to someone who pays interest and principal, but the original borrower remains responsible for the mortgage. It’s risky for both parties, and “subject to mortgage” can also refer to a mortgage lien affecting property sales. The term subject to a mortgage is often used to indicate a situation […]
“Bill and hold” is an agreement where a buyer is billed for goods not yet received, with the products being delivered at a later date. The process requires careful management and compliance with regulations. “Bill and hold” is a term used to refer to an agreement between a buyer and a seller in which the […]
“Deus vult” means “God wills it” in Latin and was a popular battle cry during the First Crusade. It is still used by some Christian sects today. The phrase can be seen on the coat of arms of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. While it is associated with the violence of the Crusades, it […]
“Hard up” is an idiom used to describe someone in a dire financial situation or missing something they need. Its origin dates back to nautical times, when it described a boat’s position. The phrase’s meaning is culturally acquired over time, and it can denote any situation where someone is lacking something. “Hard up” is an […]
“Heinz 57 Varieties” refers to the number of products offered by the Heinz food company in 1896, despite having around 60 products. The slogan was inspired by a billboard for shoes and the number 57 was chosen because it was considered lucky. Heinz sells two packets of ketchup per person annually and invented British beans […]
“Better late than never” is a proverb that means it’s better to do something late than not at all. It can be used for relief, sarcasm, or consolation. It originated from a Latin proverb and was used by Geoffrey Chaucer in “Canterbury Tales”. It can be used as an apology or complaint for being late […]
Coordinated management of meaning is a theory that explains how people derive their understanding of a conversation based on their perception of social reality. This includes sensory input from sight and sound, communication style, and environment. Professionals can use this theory to resolve disputes effectively. Coordinated management of meaning is a theory developed by Vernon […]
The idiom “crop up” means something has appeared suddenly and unexpectedly. Its origins are in geology, referring to something surfacing. Alternative suggestions include wild crops or debris during plowing. The idiom has been used metaphorically since the 17th century and can be used to suggest a change in plans or making excuses. The English idiom […]
“Dead even” is an idiom used to describe two entities that are inseparable in a competition. The phrase derives from the figurative sense of “dead” meaning exactness. It is difficult to discern the origins of idioms, which gain meaning from popular usage over time. “Dead too” is another idiom used to describe two or more […]
“Close but no cigar” is an idiomatic expression meaning nearly successful or nearly correct, likely originating from American fairs in the mid-20th century where cigars were a common prize. It is used to denote an enterprise that was nearly completed but ultimately not entirely successful, with no reward or compensation given for the effort. The […]
Verisimilitude is the truthfulness and realism of a work, which can be achieved through strong internal logic. It was originally used to indicate how well a reader could observe reality, but now focuses on a writer’s effort to ensure reality in their work. Even fantastic works can retain realism, with technology and action feeling real […]
The idiom “curiosity killed the cat” warns that acting on curiosity can be dangerous, stemming from cats’ natural curiosity. It can be used in various situations, discouraging physical harm or nosiness. It suggests that quiet individuals are more desirable, and can be used to scare children from exploring. The phrase “curiosity killed the cat” is […]
The proverb “Blood is thicker than water” means family bonds are stronger than those of marriage or friendship. Its origin is attributed to Sir Walter Scott, but earlier references exist. Other related sayings include bloodlines and blood brother. Modern interpretations agree that family ties are closer than those of strangers. Sir Walter Scott is also […]
“Read my lips” is an English idiom that demands attention to the speaker’s words. It is often followed by a clear statement. The phrase is literal, referring to lip-reading for the deaf. It can be seen as imperial or a promise. It was famously used by Pres. George H.W. Bush in a campaign speech. Similar […]
“Bread and butter” is an idiom used to refer to someone’s livelihood or primary source of income. It is a shortened version of the various consumer goods people buy with their wages. “Guns and butter” is a similar idiom used in a political context to talk about the demands of a constituency. Another related idiom […]
“Heads will roll” is an idiom used to describe serious consequences for failure, particularly in business where it often refers to termination of employment. It does not necessarily refer to specific individuals and is often used to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. The phrase borrows symbolism from execution, but does not actually refer to […]
The idiom “foam at the mouth” means extreme anger, originating from the symptom of rabies in animals. Rabid animals lose control and attack anyone, and the expression is a form of hyperbole. Rabies is transmitted through bites, and those who “foam at the mouth” should be avoided as they are beyond reason. The English idiom […]
