customer

customer is always right

Prov. In order to keep customers happy, the people who serve them should always obey their wishes. (Often cited as a principle of good business dealings; customers sometimes say it to the people serving them in order to try to get good service.) When I began working at the gift shop, my boss told me, "Remember, the customer is always right, no matter how stupid or rude you may think he is being."

See also: always, right

one to a customer

Fig. each person can have or receive only one. (As in sales restrictions where each customer is permitted to buy only one.) "Only one to a customer!" said the chef as he handed out the hamburgers. Is it one to a customer, or can I take two now?

See also: one

slippery customer 

1. Fig. a clever and deceitful customer. Watch out for that guy with the big padded coat. He may snatch something. He's a real slippery customer.

2. Fig. a slippery creature. This little fish is a slippery customer. Get me something to scoop it back into its bowl.

See also: slippery

tough customer someone

who is difficult to deal with. Some of those bikers are really tough customers. Walt is a tough customer. Just keep away from him.

See also: tough

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a cool customer  (informal)

someone who stays calm and does not show their emotions, even in a difficult situation I can imagine Pete being good at negotiating. He's a pretty cool customer.

See also: cool

an awkward customer

a person, group, or thing that causes problems, usually because they will not behave in the way you want or expect them to There's usually at least one awkward customer who insists on doing everything according to the rule book.

See also: awkward