“Get the ball rolling.” Start something quickly to build momentum.
figures of speech
“That’s a dealbreaker”
“That’s a dealbreaker.” A condition that prevents any agreement from being reached. Americans often signal their bottom line or ‘red lines’ clearly and early in negotiations.
Wheeling and dealing
Expressions like ‘It’s not personal, it’s just business’ and ‘Everything is negotiable’ illustrate the American view that negotiation is a standard, unemotional aspect of doing business. The term ‘wheeling and dealing’ further reinforces the notion that successful individuals are those who can negotiate skillfully and assertively.
“Sweeten the deal”
“Sweeten the deal.” To add something extra to make an offer more attractive. It reflects the American tendency to strategically use concessions to close a deal.
“Back to square one”
“Back to square one.” To start over from the beginning. Americans value momentum, and having to restart a negotiation can be seen as a setback, prompting impatience or frustration.
“Get to the bottom line”
“Get to the bottom line.” To focus on the essential conclusion or price. This reflects the American preference for clarity, efficiency, and result-oriented communication in negotiation.
“Da gibt’s keinen Spielraum”
Da gibt’s keinen Spielraum. There is no room for maneuver. Once a position has been established, it usually remains unchanged. Negotiating leverage is often limited, and flexibility is perceived as a weakness.
“Let’s make a deal”
“Let’s make a deal.” This expression signifies the desire to reach an agreement. It reflects the American focus on outcomes and mutual gain, seeing negotiation as a positive opportunity to strike a deal.
“It’s a win-win”
“It’s a win-win.” This phrase is used to describe a situation in which both sides benefit. It illustrates the American emphasis on creating solutions where no one ‘loses’ – an optimistic, problem-solving mindset. However, is this the deepest negotiating logic in the U.S.?
“My hands are tied”
“My hands are tied.” This expression conveys the idea of having no room to maneuver or make concessions. It is often used to deflect blame or explain limits of authority, underscoring the importance of clear boundaries in American negotiation.