News from the Japanese Banking System – Metaphor

Metaphor

Business English is jam-packed (full) with metaphor – a word or phrase used to describe one thing as if it were another – for example, time is money is a common expression in business, meaning the value of time is as important as money itself.

This spoof financial news story will help you understand some common Business English metaphors.

Before watching the video make sure you understand these metaphors:

to fold
to go belly up
to cut branches
to go for a song
to nose-dive
to soldier on
to take a hit
to remain in the black
to get the chop
fishy
to get a raw deal

I have made this worksheet for you to test yourself:

Now watch the video!

News from the Japanese banking system…
Following the current Covid crisis uncertainty has now hit the banking sector in Japan.

In the past seven days Origami Bank has folded, Sumo Bank has gone belly up and Bonsai Bank announced plans to cut some of its branches. 

Yesterday it was announced that Karaoke Bank is up for sale and will likely go for a song, while today shares in Kamikaze Bank were suspended after they nose-dived. Samurai Bank is soldiering on following sharp cutbacks, while Ninja Bank is reported to have taken a hit but it remains in the black.
Furthermore, 500 staff at Karate Bank got the chop and analysts report that there is something fishy going on at Sushi Bank where it is feared that staff may get a raw deal…