Get out the sharp pencils

Posted by Bob on July 03, 2007

In Reply to: Get out the sharp pencils posted by Brian from Shawnee on July 03, 2007

: : I want to know what do we mean by phrase "Get out the sharp pencils"

:
: It means to get ready to solve a tough problem, such as to balance the accounts of a business. A sharper pencil won't make your math more accurate, but it emphasizes the attention to detail that will be required.

It's also used to convey the message: find a way to lower your price or I won't buy. Also "sharpen your pencils." Same message: arrive at a more accurate (that is to say, lower) price.