Bottom line meaning in English
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Definition
the bottom line (finance): the part of a financial statement that shows net income or loss
bottom line literally refers to the last thing written on a document.
-What's our bottom line this quarter? -We have lost $4,000.
Sign on the bottom line and the contract will be finalized.
the bottom line (of a discussion, of a meeting): the conclusion, the main or essential point (of a discussion, of a meeting)
I might be a little late, but the bottom line is that I will be at your party.
Examples
- "Bruno : Philip, you're concerned about our bottom line and our profit margins, and I appreciate that as well."
- "Icarus : Actually, Terrance, the term "bottom line" refers to the "net income" of the company, which indicates the earnings that remain after deducting taxes and other amounts."
- "For young or old, the bottom line seems clear: a good night's sleep is essential!"
- "Well, what's the bottom line then?"
- "I'm concerned about my bottom line."
Exercise 1
Philip is concerned about the Delavigne Corporation's bottom line.
He is concerned about the company's:
He is concerned about the company's:
Philip is concerned about the Delavigne Corporation's bottom line.
He is concerned about the company's:
He is concerned about the company's:
This is not the best choice. Philip's concern for the Delavigne Corp is not "under-spending" which means spending less than is necessary, or less than is needed.
This is the best choice. Bruno summarizes Philip's argument by saying, "Philip, you're concerned about our bottom line". A corporation's "bottom line" is their "net income or loss". This is the indicator of whether or not a company is profitable, and it is Philip's main concern.
This is not the best choice. Philip is not at all concerned about Delavigne's "use of unethical labor". Philip's main concern is Delavigne's "bottom line" and "profits". If the Delavigne Corp were to use unethical labor in order to increase profits, it is fair to say that Philip would not be concerned.
This is not the best choice. There is no mention in the dialogue of "bottom feeding practices" which is an expression meaning to take advantage of the misfortune of other people or companies. In business terms, "a bottom feeder" is an opportunist who takes advantage of weaker people, companies etc.
Exercise 2
Floyd says: "The downside is that there is minimal or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be fees."
Another way to express this is: "The is that there is or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be ."
Another way to express this is: "The is that there is or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be ."
Floyd says: "The downside is that there is minimal or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be fees."
Another way to express this is: "The disadvantage 1 is that there is little 2 or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be charges 3."
Another way to express this is: "The disadvantage 1 is that there is little 2 or no interest on checking accounts, and there may be charges 3."
1 disadvantage: This is the best choice. "Downside" means "problem" or "inconvenience". Example: "The disadvantage of travelling by plane is that it causes lots of pollution".
1 advantage: This is not correct. An "advantage" is a "bonus" or "plus" - the opposite of "downside" and "disadvantage".
1 bottom line: This is not correct. The "bottom line" of an issue is the "key" or "essential point" of the issue. This does not share a similar meaning with "downside".
2 little: "Little" is the best choice. A "minimal" amount of money is a "tiny" or "very small" amount. Example: "There will be a minimal charge for this service: only $1".
2 medium: This is not correct. A "medium" amount of money is an "average" or "standard" amount, and this sounds unnatural. Moreover, the term "medium" does not share a similar meaning with "minimal". Example: "-Would you like your steak medium or well done -Neither! I'm a vegetarian!".
2 minus: This is not correct. A "minus" number is negative, as in "the temperature in Greenland can drop to minus forty degrees". This does not share a similar meaning with "minimal".
3 charges: "Charges" is the best choice here. "Fees" are "charges" made by a person or company for their services. Example: "This lawyer has very high fees, but she always wins".
3 losses: This is not correct. If you suffer a "loss", you "lose" money, or finish up with less money than you started with. This does not share a similar meaning with "fees".
3 taxes: This is not correct. "Taxes" are paid to government or local authorities; banks cannot charge taxes, and this term does not share a close meaning with "fees".
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