Phrases & Expressions

A mandatory process for businesses to verify the identity of their clients and assess potential risks.

• The bank's know your customer policy is strict.
• Know your customer checks are vital for fraud prevention.

Said privately and not to be published or officially recorded.

• Off the record, he's leaving.
• This is strictly off the record, so don't quote me.

A formal request asking someone to give information, guidance, or their opinion about a situation.

• Please advise on the best course of action.
• Please advise if you can attend.

A combined urgent warning in aviation about terrain proximity and the need to climb.

• The aircraft was descending fast when the 'terrain, pull up' warning sounded.
• The crew reacted to the 'terrain pull up' alert.

Used before a direct, often blunt statement.

• To put it bluntly, he was wrong.
• To put it bluntly, the plan failed.

Used to suggest that a situation is much more extreme or serious than described.

• To put it mildly, the meeting was a disaster.
• He was upset, to put it mildly.

Used to suggest that what you have just said is an understatement.

• The situation is complicated, to say the least.
• Her performance was surprising, to say the least.

A radio phrase meaning that a pilot cannot carry out an instruction or clearance.

• I am unable to comply with that request at this time.
• The pilot replied "unable to comply" because the aircraft could not climb that fast.

A polite phrase used to express disagreement, especially when speaking to someone in authority.

• With all due respect, I disagree.
• With all due respect, you're wrong.

A formal closing phrase used at the end of a letter when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to.

• Yours faithfully, Mr. Smith.
• Yours faithfully, a concerned citizen.