In the summer of 2006, Jeff Kronthal, a senior executive in Merrill Lynch's (nyse: MER - news - people ) structured products group, was fired after reportedly balking at then-Chief Executive Stanley O'Neal's demands that the firm get more aggressive in its risk-taking with mortgage securities.

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But companies seem to be balking at the cost--or keeping quiet out of fear they'd only be making it easier for the other side.

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Georgianna Edwards says a six-week "biggest-loser" challenge she entered with 11 co-workers caused tension when some participants who didn't make progress started criticizing others' diets and balking at weekly weigh-ins.

WSJ: Office Weight-Loss Contests Rise, Saboteurs and All

With the whole economy now in need of a bail-out, Germany is balking.

ECONOMIST: Angela Merkel

Now investors are balking at the idea of a long wait before mouth-watering returns materialise.

ECONOMIST: The dwindling fortune of a Brazilian magnate

Israel is balking at the 13.1% figure, insisting that its security cannot brook more than a single-digit redeployment.

ECONOMIST: Send off the referee, says Israel | The

But automakers are balking at strong standards, even as Ford and General Motors are posting stellar profits from skyrocketing sales of fuel-efficient cars.

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