give sb the boot	to fire sb from their job
a lame duck	a person / company that is weak / a failure
feel the pinch	to suffer because of lack of money
in the red	in debt
hit rock bottom	to reach the lowest point
in the black	in credit/making profit
play with fire	to take dangerous risks
step into sb’s shoes	to replace sb
a firm hand	control and discipline
pay dividends	to bring advantages at a later date (procentować w przyszłości)
a small fortune	a lot of money
meant business	to be serious about what one says / intends
get off the ground	to start a business / company / project etc.
bear fruit	to produce good results
live on a shoestring	to manage with very little money
burn the midnight oil	to work very late at night to achieve sth
to be rolling in it	to be rich
keep head above water	to survive despite financial problems
money down the drain	money wasted
tighten one’s belts	to live on a smaller budget