September 2011

Harvard Business Review

Phrases & ExpressionsPhrases & Expressions

cut back: reduce the amount or quantity of … esp. because of

lack of money strike a chord with: create an emotional response, evoke

a reaction, etc. … fall on deaf ears: (of a statement or request) be ignored by others beneath: lower in grade or rank than; considered of lower status or worth than

2011-9-18 By Diana Ma 2

Harvard Business Review

Phrases & ExpressionsPhrases & Expressions

phone tag: a situation in which two individuals attempting to contact each other by telephone repeatedly do not

get a live person but messages, such as voice mail.

head count: a total number of people, esp. the number of people employed in a particular organization

2011-9-18 By Diana Ma 3

Harvard Business Review

Business Term 1 Business Term 1

trickle-down effect （涓滴效应） : The trickle-down effect is a marketing phenomenon that affects many consumer goods. Initially a product may be so expensive that only the wealthy can afford it. Over time, however, the price will fall until it is inexpensive enough for the general public to purchase. When applied to fashion, this theory states that when the lowest

social class, or simply a perceived lower social class, adopts the fashion, it is no longer desirable to the leaders in the highest social class.

•2011-9-18 By Diana Ma 4

Harvard Business Review

Business Term 2 Business Term 2

trickle-down economics / trickle-down theory: They refer to the policy of providing across the board tax cuts or benefits to businesses and the wealthy, such as tax breaks, in the belief that this will indirectly benefit the broad population.

Today, "trickle-down economics" is most closely identified with the economic policies known as Reaganomics. Proponents of these policies claim that if the top income earners invest more into the business infrastructure and markets, it will in turn lead to more goods at lower prices, and create more jobs for middle and lower class individuals. They also argue that economic growth flows down from the top to the bottom, indirectly benefiting those who do not directly benefit from the policy changes.

2011-9-18 By Diana Ma 5

Harvard Business Review