Summary
Highlights
This video is American Idioms Part 55, presenting five new idioms from 271 to 275. Viewers will guess the meanings, then receive answers and additional examples. The idioms in this video focus on negotiations.
To 'put all of one's cards on the table' means to be honest about your feelings and intentions. An example is a person telling their girlfriend they want to marry her after five months of dating, being open about their intentions. Another example involves resolving a work issue by honestly expressing desires during negotiations.
To 'drive a hard bargain' means to argue with determination to achieve a deal in one's favor. An example is a boss who is difficult when negotiating a raise, always arguing strongly for his side. Similarly, a company's management driving a hard bargain during union negotiations illustrates this idiom.
A 'sticking point' refers to something that someone refuses to change, causing a halt in negotiations. An example is a president refusing to give up military bases, becoming a sticking point in a peace treaty. It's often a temporary issue that, with negotiation, can be resolved, like the price of a new car.
A 'deal breaker' is something that prevents an agreement or deal from happening, meaning no deal will be made no matter what. Unlike a 'sticking point,' a deal breaker implies no compromise. An example is a small hard drive preventing someone from buying a computer. However, a boss might change their mind about project costs if they see its potential profit, making it not a deal breaker.
To 'stick to one's guns' means to refuse to change one's opinion, despite opposition or criticism. An example is a governor maintaining his stance on a homeless issue despite criticism from supporters. Another example is someone pursuing a career as a musician despite their parents' disapproval, sticking to their own path.