Phrases & Expressions

The provision of loans and credit facilities to individuals and businesses in rural areas.

• Rural lending supports farmers and small businesses.
• Access to rural lending is limited in some regions.

A customer interview to test if your proposed solution meets their needs.

• After the problem interview, we scheduled a solution interview.
• Solution interviews refine the product based on feedback.

Indicates that the speed brakes are set to deploy automatically upon landing.

• Speed brake armed, ready for touchdown.
• Confirm speed brake armed.

Using complex and often controversial methods to reduce the amount of tax a person or company has to pay, sometimes testing legal limits.

• Some companies use aggressive tax planning.
• Aggressive tax planning can be risky.

The standard of proof required in criminal cases, meaning the evidence must be so convincing that there is no other logical explanation.

• The jury was instructed to acquit if it was not sure beyond reasonable doubt.
• Convicting beyond reasonable doubt does not mean beyond every possible doubt.

For a jet engine to stop working because the flame inside it goes out.

• The engine will flame out if a heavy water ingestion blows the fire off the nozzle.
• Both engines flamed out as they crossed the volcanic ash cloud.

being held in a place from which you cannot leave, often as a punishment.

• The prisoner was kept in confinement.
• In confinement for a year.

A very polite and slightly formal way of saying thank you.

• Much obliged for your help.
• I'm much obliged to you.

A person who is not welcome or accepted by a particular group or in a particular place.

• The diplomat was declared persona non grata.
• He became persona non grata after the scandal.

A difficulty or burden that is too great or unreasonable, often used in legal contexts.

• Requiring a wheelchair ramp would cause undue hardship for the small business.
• The court found that the proposed changes would impose undue hardship on the defendant.