Mean to one's bottom line

Question

They haven't explained to Lizzie exactly what this IPO will mean to the Miller family's bottom line, because at fourteen Lizzie is far too young to need to worry about these kinds of financial matters.

Does that mean 'How this IPO will benefit of Miller familiy'?

Thanks.

Ratiatum · Accepted Answer

"Bottom line" refers more specifically to net profit after expenditure.  In this context it probably refers to the money that the Miller family will have left after paying expenses.

Liveinjapan · Answer

Thanks, Ratiatum.
Understand!

Avangi · Answer

Liveinjapan Does that mean 'How this IPO will benefit of Miller familiy'?

Hi LiJ, just an aside. I've been seeing this construction quite a lot lately. I think sometimes English learners forget to distinguish between the verb "to benefit" and the noun "the benefit of."

In your usage, "to benefit" is a transitive verb. We say, "A benefits B." We don't say, "A benefits of B."

In the case of the noun usage, we say, "The benefits of A are outstanding." "What is the benefit of B?"

Also, when you put the question in quotes, you need to invert the order: "Does that mean, "How will this IPO benefit the Miller family?" John asked, "When will it be ready?"

In reported speech, you don't invert: John asks when it will be ready. John asked when it would be ready. Lizzie asked how this IPO will benefit the Miller family. (effect their net worth)

Liveinjapan · Answer

Thanks, Avangi.
"To benefit of" is really odd. I don't know how I wrote that odd sentence!

I undersand the usage of the verb 'benefit'. Thanks!

Mean to one's bottom line

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