Bostock and the rest of the board call the offer insufficient and adopt a poison pill-type HR plan to make it virtually impossible for Microsoft to go through with the deal in a hostile manner.
In any other context, the company would be viewed as ripe for acquisition, but its JVs make for a more effective takeover defense than even the best poison pills ever devised.
But there are less toxic and nontoxic ways of controlling bugs, from borax (a poison) to essential oils, select plants, and ways to make common insects feel less welcome in your cupboard.
Phrases like "pulling the teeth", "drawing out the poison" and, less vividly, "forcing the health secretary to make concessions" tip with practised ease from Lib Dem lips.