Nelly Min

Reader's question:

For those who have probably forgotten that the due date for submission was last Wednesday, I am giving you an opportunity to be heard until cob today. Could you explain “cob”? Is it an abbreviation?

My comments:

COB is an acronym that stands for “close of business.” It usually means 5:00 p.m., when the business day is officially over and marks the end of the day in financial markets and offices. So when someone sets a deadline of ‘cob today,’ it means by 5:00 p.m. that day. It is one of the acronyms commonly used in business settings but has spread to general usage. Other examples include ASAP (as soon as possible), FYI (for your information) and FYEO (for your eyes only).

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Nelly Min?is a journalist at the China Daily website.