Learn Business English Phrases: in a tough spot

Mar 3

Updated: Mar 3

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Each week, we introduce a new phrase to help you sound more natural and confident in your professional communication.

What would you do in this situation?

Imagine you’re leading an important project, and suddenly, your biggest supplier announces a major delay. Without those materials, you can’t meet your deadline. Your boss expects answers, your team is panicking, and your client isn’t happy. What do you say?

“We’re in a tough spot.”

This Week’s Phrase:

WE'RE IN A TOUGH SPOT.

= We’re in a difficult situation with no easy solution.

We’re in a Tough Spot: Real-Life Example

Three people in suits discussing around a tablet, with text boxes mentioning deadlines and staffing. Office setting, serious mood. Business English phrases, Business English conversation. We're in a tough spot meaning. English for business communication. Natural real-life business conversation.

We’re in a Tough Spot: More Real-Life Examples

Financial Struggles

A startup founder talks to their business partner.

“Our sales are lower than expected this quarter.”

“Yeah, and investors are asking for updates.”

“We’re in a tough spot. We need a strategy to boost revenue fast.”

Product Recall

A company faces a product issue and needs to act fast.

“The latest batch of products has a defect. We need to recall them.”

“That’s going to cost us a lot.”

“I know. We’re in a tough spot, but we have to protect our reputation.”

Hiring Freeze

A manager discusses hiring challenges with HR.

“Our team is overloaded with work, and we really need more people.”

“I get it, but there’s a hiring freeze in place.”

“That puts us in a tough spot.”

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever been in a tough spot at work? How did you handle it?

Yes, I was in a tough spot last year. My manager gave me a very difficult project with a short deadline. At first, I felt very stressed because I didn’t know how to finish it on time. But then, I made a plan and organized my tasks. I also asked my colleague for help, and we worked together. In the end, I finished the project on time, and my manager was happy. I learned that staying calm and asking for help is very important in difficult situations. (Felix, B1-level learner)

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