When the business struggles B1
The worried chat when work dries up — closures, layoffs, and deals falling through.
close down — stop operating (business, shop, etc.)A: Did you hear about the gym?
B: Yeah, they had to close down last month. It's such a shame.
pull out — to leave or withdraw from an activity or agreementA: Are you still going to be in the tennis tournament?
B: No, I had to pull out because of an injury.
shut down — close a business or systemA: Why is the café dark today?
B: They shut down last week. Business was really slow.
Hard times
Steve: Did you hear the warehouse is going to close down next month?
Donna: No way. Are they going to lay off the whole team?
Steve: Looks like it. Orders have really dropped off since spring.
Donna: That's rough. I hope they at least stand by the staff with decent notice.
The deal's off
Hugh: Bad news — the investors have pulled out of the deal.
Grace: After all that? So the whole thing's fallen through?
Hugh: Afraid so. Talks broke down over the price last night.
Grace: Well, that's months of work down the drain.