Business English Idioms Quiz: Working on Weekends

Welcome to the Business English Idioms Quiz!

Today’s Focus:

This useful idiom is often used when something seems like a success, but there’s a hidden downside.

Today’s Challenge:

You’re meeting deadlines, finishing projects, and staying on top of everything. Sounds great, right?

But… it means working late nights. Skipping weekends. Missing time with your family. What do you say?

Working on weekends helps me finish everything, but it comes at a _____. I have less time with my family.

A) cost

B) value

C) loss

D) chance

Choose the correct option and listen to the sentence.

Did you get it right?

COST

noun

the money, time, or energy you give or lose to get something

The cost of living in big cities keeps going up.

We need to think about both the cost and the benefits before making a decision.

I spent too much on repairs — the cost was more than the car is worth.

COME AT A COST

idiom

when something good causes you to lose something else — like time, health, energy, or relationships

She got the promotion, but it came at a cost: constant stress and long hours.

Success often comes at a cost — you may lose sleep, free time, or peace of mind.

His perfect grades came at a cost. He had no time for friends or fun.

Yes, we met the deadline, but it came at a cost to team morale.

VALUE

noun

the importance or benefit of something

I see a lot of value in working with experienced people.

This book has great value for new managers.

She always brings value to team discussions.

LOSS

noun

when you no longer have something you had before (could be a loss of time, money, energy, or something emotional)

Working every weekend felt like a loss of my personal time.

The company reported a big loss this quarter.

There’s a real loss of balance when you work too much.

CHANCE

noun

an opportunity to do something, or the possibility that something will happen in the future

I didn’t get a chance to relax over the weekend.

This job gives me a real chance to grow.

There’s a good chance I’ll have to work late again.

That's right! The correct answer is A) cost.