A: Will you have a cup of coffee, Mr. Wang?
B: No. Don't bother, please.
A: Of course, i don't know Smith at all, but you've got to be on your guard against George. I told you about our negotiating with him in New York three years ago, didn't I?
B: I am sure you did. Can we focus on the final packing today, Mr. Brown? We mustn't get stuck in the price. They are going to knock us down. We have got some room to maneuver.
A: That's right, George is the head of Marketing Department.
B: What we must keep in mind is that we can make a concession if they push us on staff cut.
A: Oh we don't need to worry about that, Mr. Wang. We will just play it by ear.

点睛注释

1. be on one's guard against sb./sth. 小心,防范

Example: We must be on our guard against pickpockets on a bus.在公交车上我们要小心扒手.

2. focus on sth. 集中精力于......之上

Example: We should focus our attention on the demands at the overseas market.我们应该集中注意一下海外市场的需求

3. knock sb. down 打倒,使屈服

Example: They are attempting to knock us down in terms of price.他们试图让我们在价格方面让步.

4. keep/bear sth. in mind 记住,牢记

Example: Please keep in mind that you'll arrive punctually for the meeting tomorrow.请记住明天开会要准时.

Bear in mind that you can always rely on me.要记住你永远可以依靠我.