informal talking and conversation

I. talk¹ S1 W1 /tɔːk $ tɒːk/ BrE AmE verb
[Word Family: noun: ↑talk, talks, ↑talker; verb: ↑talk; adjective: ↑talkative]
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: Probably from Old English talian 'to count, consider, tell']
1. CONVERSATION [intransitive] to say things to someone as part of a conversation:
I could hear Sarah and Andy talking in the next room.
talk about
English people love to talk about the weather.
All through the afternoon, they sat and talked about their trip.
talk to
She spent a long time talking to him.
She’s very easy to talk to.
talk with
I got the truth from talking with Elena.
talk together
They were talking together in the hall.
Sue and Bob still aren’t talking (=are refusing to talk to each other).
talk in a low voice/a whisper etc
They were talking in low voices, and I couldn’t catch what they were saying.
talk of (=used especially in formal or literary contexts)
We talked of old times.
2. SERIOUS SUBJECT [intransitive] to discuss something serious or important with someone:
Joe, we need to talk.
Is there somewhere we can talk in private?
talk to
You should talk to a lawyer.
talk about
We’ve been talking about getting married.
talk with
Parents should talk with their children about drug abuse.
talk sport/politics/business etc
‘Let’s not talk politics now,’ said Hugh impatiently.
REGISTER
In written English, people usually say that they are going to discuss, deal with, or address a subject rather than talk about it:
▪ In this essay I will discuss the problem of over-population.
3. SAY WORDS [intransitive] to produce words and express thoughts, opinions, ideas etc:
She was talking so fast I could hardly understand her.
How do babies learn to talk?
Some residents were frightened to talk publicly.
talk (in) French/German etc
They started talking in Spanish.
Don’t let Dad hear you talking like that (=expressing things in a particular way).
4. A SPEECH [intransitive] to give a speech
talk on/about
Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.
5. SECRET INFORMATION [intransitive] if someone who has secret information talks, they tell someone else about it:
Even under torture, Maskell refused to talk.
He tried to stop his ex-wife from talking on live TV.
We should stop meeting like this. People will talk.
6. talk sense/rubbish/nonsense etc especially British English spoken used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc:
You do talk rubbish sometimes, Jules.
7. talk (some) sense into somebody to persuade someone to behave sensibly:
She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.
8. talk to yourself to say your thoughts out loud:
‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’
9. know what you are talking about spoken to know a lot about a particular subject:
I worked in hotels for years, so I know what I’m talking about.
10. talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey informal to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things
11. talk about lazy/cheap/hungry etc spoken used to emphasize that someone or something is very lazy, cheap, hungry etc:
Talk about lucky. That’s the second time he’s won this week!
12. talking of/about something spoken used to say more about a subject that someone has just mentioned:
Talking of Venice, have you seen the masks I bought there last year?
13. what are you talking about? spoken used when you think what someone has said is stupid or wrong:
What are you talking about? We got there in plenty of time.
14. I’m talking to you! spoken used when you are angry that the person you are talking to is not paying attention:
Rob! I’m talking to you!
15. be like talking to a brick wall spoken used to say that it is annoying to speak to someone because they do not pay attention to you
16. talk sb’s ear off American English spoken to talk too much to someone
17. talk trash American English informal to say rude or offensive things to or about someone, especially to opponents in a sports competition:
Both teams were talking trash on the court.
18. talk the talk American English informal to say the things that people expect or think are necessary in a particular situation:
She didn’t talk the talk of feminism, but her career was the most important thing in her life. ⇨ walk the walk at ↑walk¹(12)
19. I’m/we’re/you’re talking (about) something spoken used in conversation to emphasize a fact or remind someone of it:
I’m not talking about ancient history, I’m talking about last season’s performance.
20. now you’re talking spoken used to say that you think someone’s suggestion is a good idea:
‘Fancy an ice cream?’ ‘Now you’re talking.’
21. look who’s talking, you’re a fine one to talk, you can talk spoken used to tell someone they should not criticize someone else’s behaviour because their own behaviour is just as bad:
‘Peggy shouldn’t smoke so much.’ ‘Look who’s talking!’
22. we’re/you’re talking £500/three days etc spoken used to tell someone how much something will cost, how long something will take to do etc:
To do a proper job, you’re talking £750 minimum.
23. talk your way out of something informal to escape from a bad or embarrassing situation by giving explanations, excuses etc:
She’s good at talking her way out of trouble.
24. talk nineteen to the dozen British English informal, talk a blue streak American English informal to talk very quickly without stopping
25. talk in riddles to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way:
Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.
26. talk tough (on something) informal to give people your opinions very strongly:
The President is talking tough on crime.
27. talk shop if people talk shop, they talk about their work when there are people present who are not interested or involved in it – used to show disapproval:
Are you two going to talk shop all night?
28. talk dirty (to somebody) informal to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited
29. be talking through your hat British English informal if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand
30. talk smack American English informal to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way
31. talk to the hand spoken informal used to tell someone rudely that you do not want to listen to anything he or she is going to say to you. When people use this expression, they also usually turn their face away from the other person and hold the ↑palm of their hand out towards them.
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ talk to use words to communicate with someone about something: I need to talk to you about your work. | She always enjoyed talking to Jim. | Can we talk?
▪ speak to talk. Speak is a little more formal than talk. You often use it when saying that someone speaks in a particular way, or that you will speak to someone in order to try to get something done. You only use speak when saying that someone speaks a language: He spoke with confidence and authority. | She was speaking quietly so she didn’t disturb anyone. | I’d like to speak to the manager. | Do you speak German?
▪ go on/drone on/ramble to talk too much or for too long about something, in a way that makes people bored: He went on about how great the team was. | I’d better stop rambling and let you get on with your work.
▪ waffle /ˈwɒfəl $ ˈwɑː-/ British English disapproving informal to talk using a lot of words but without saying anything important: I wish he would stop waffling and get to the point!
▪ prattle on disapproving informal to talk continuously about silly and unimportant things: She prattled on about her boyfriend for the entire journey. | What’s he prattling on about now?
■ to talk about everyday things
▪ have a conversation to talk to someone for a long time about everyday things: She was having a conversation with one of her friends. | When I arrived, Joe and Jane were deep in conversation (=very involved in a conversation). | I can order food in a restaurant in French, but not have a conversation.
▪ chat/have a chat informal to have a friendly informal conversation about things that are not very important: The girls were chatting outside the house. | It’s been nice having a chat with you.
▪ gossip to talk about other people’s private lives when they are not there, especially about things that you have heard, which are not completely true: What are you two gossiping about?
▪ visit with somebody American English informal to have a conversation with someone: I visited with him last week.
▪ converse formal to have a conversation with someone: We met once and conversed briefly.
■ to talk seriously
▪ discuss to talk seriously about problems, ideas, or plans: They met to discuss how the building should be designed. | She refuses to discuss the matter.
▪ talk something over to discuss something with someone because it will affect them, especially someone close to you: Before you accept the job, talk it over with your family. | You two need to sit down and talk things over.
▪ debate to discuss a subject formally when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem: The issue will be debated on Tuesday. | The UN Security Council debated whether to impose sanctions.
talk around/round phrasal verb British English
1. talk somebody around/round to persuade someone to change their opinion about something:
Leave Betty to me. I’ll soon talk her round.
2. talk around/round something to discuss a problem without really dealing with the important parts of it:
They had spent half the night talking round the subject.
talk back phrasal verb
to answer someone in authority such as a teacher or parent in a rude or impolite way
talk somebody/something ↔ down phrasal verb
1. British English to make something seem less successful, interesting, good etc than it really is:
the pessimists who are talking down Britain
2. to help a ↑pilot land an aircraft by giving them instructions from the ground by radio
talk down to somebody phrasal verb
to talk to someone as if they are stupid, although they are not SYN patronize:
The students felt that they were talked down to as though they were children.
talk somebody into something phrasal verb
to persuade someone to do something
talk somebody into doing something
My husband talked me into going skiing.
talk something ↔ out phrasal verb informal
1. to discuss a problem thoroughly in order to solve it:
We need to spend a little time talking this out.
talk something ↔ out with
It might help if you talked it out with Dad.
2. British English if politicians talk out a proposal, they talk about it for a long time deliberately so that there will not be enough time to vote on it SYN filibuster:
The Land Protection Bill was talked out by MPs from rural areas.
talk somebody out of something phrasal verb
to persuade someone not to do something
talk somebody out of doing something
Can’t you talk them out of selling the house?
talk something ↔ over phrasal verb
to discuss a problem with someone before deciding what to do
talk something ↔ over with
Talk over any worries with your GP.
talk through something phrasal verb
1. talk something ↔ through to discuss something thoroughly so that you are sure you understand it:
Allow time to talk through any areas of difficulty.
2. talk somebody through something to help someone understand a process, method etc by explaining it to them carefully before they use it:
Trevor talked me through loading the software.
talk something ↔ up phrasal verb
to make something appear more important, interesting, successful etc than it really is:
Jones talked up the idea at the meeting.

Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

talk

talk [talk talks talked talking] verb, noun [tɔːk] [tɔːk]

verb

SPEAK TO SB
1. intransitive, transitive to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc
• Stop talking and listen!
• We talked on the phone for over an hour.
• ~ (to/with sb) (about sb/sth) Who were you talking to just now?
• We looked around the school and talked with the principal.
• Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued).
• When they get together, all they talk about is football.
• What are you talking about? (= used when you are surprised, annoyed and/or worried by sth that sb has just said)
• I don't know what you're talking about (= used to say that you did not do sth that sb has accused you of).
• ~ of sth Mary is talking of looking for another job.

• ~ yourself + adj. We talked ourselves hoarse, catching up on all the news.

DISCUSS

2. intransitive, transitive to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important
• This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
• The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk.
• ~ (to/with sb) (about sth) Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.

• ~ sth to talk business

SAY WORDS

3. intransitive, transitive to say words in a language
• The baby is just starting to talk.
• ~ in sth We couldn't understand them because they were talking in Chinese.

• ~ sth Are they talking Swedish or Danish?

SENSE/NONSENSE

4. transitive ~ sth to say things that are/are not sensible
• She talks a lot of sense.
• (BrE) You're talking rubbish!

• See if you can talk some sense into him (= persuade him to be sensible).

FOR EMPHASIS

5. transitive be talking sth (informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc.
• We're talking £500 for three hours' work.

• Do you know what this will cost? We're talking megabucks here.

ABOUT PRIVATE LIFE

6. intransitive to talk about a person's private life
Syn: gossip

• Don't phone me at work— people will talk.

GIVE INFORMATION

7. intransitive to give information to sb, especially unwillingly
• The police questioned him but he refused to talk.
more at speak/talk of the devil at devil, know what you're talking about at know _v., speak/talk the same language at language, money talks at money, knock/talk some sense into sb at sense _n., speak/talk out of turn at turn _n.

Word Origin:
Middle English: frequentative verb from the Germanic base of tale or tell.
Synonyms:
talk
discuss • speak • communicate • debate • consult
These words all mean to share news, information, ideas or feelings with another person or other people, especially by talking with them.
talk • to speak in order to give information, express feelings or share ideas: ▪ We talked on the phone for over an hour.
discuss • (rather formal) to talk and share ideas on a subject or problem with other people, especially in order to decide sth: ▪ Have you discussed the problem with anyone?
You cannot say ‘discuss about sth’: I'm not prepared to discuss about this on the phone.
speak • to talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb: ▪ I've spoken to the manager about it. ◊ ▪ ‘Can I speak to Susan?’ ‘Speaking.’ ▪ (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation)
talk or speak?
Speak can suggest a more formal level of communication than talk. You speak to sb about sth to try to achieve a particular goal or to tell them to do sth. You talk to sb in order to be friendly or to ask their advice: ▪ Have you talked to your parents about the problems you're having? ◊ ▪ I've spoken to Ed about it and he's promised not to let it happen again.
communicate • (rather formal) to exchange information or ideas with sb: ▪ We only communicate by email. ◊ ▪ Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.
Communicate is often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to the means of communication used.
debate • to discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decisionor finding a solution: ▪ Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.
consult • (rather formal) to discuss sth with sb in order to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decision: ▪ You shouldn't have done it without consulting me.
to talk/discuss sth/speak/communicate/debate/consult with sb
to talk/speak to sb
to talk/speak to sb/consult sb about sth
to talk/speak of sth
Example Bank:
• All they talk about is clothes.
• Bruce Springsteen has agreed to talk exclusively to our reporter about his life.
• He had talked vaguely of going to work abroad.
• He was so easy to talk to.
• I can't talk about it just now.
• I loved to hear him talk about the old days.
• I need to talk to you.
• I think you'd better talk directly to my manager.
• I'll talk to John this afternoon.
• I've talked with him on the telephone.
• Just shut up and let me talk for a minute.
• Let's talk sensibly about this.
• She talked quite freely about her work.
• Talking of Joe, I met his new boyfriend last week.
• The police questioned him for four hours, trying to make him talk.
• The senior managers talk a good game about customer relations, but really they don't care about the customer.
• We often talked of the war.
• You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?
• a group of students talking earnestly
• talking about their new clothes
• Alex can't talk yet— he's only just one year old.
• Ann and Joe aren't talking to each other right now.
• He talked excitedly of his plans.
• Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.
• They spent the whole evening talking business.
• This situation can't go on. We need to talk.
• When they get together, all they talk about is football
• You're talking nonsense!
Idioms: look who's talking ▪ now you're talking ▪ talk a good game ▪ talk about … ▪ talk dirty ▪ talk of something ▪ talk shop ▪ talk the hind leg off a donkey ▪ talk the talk ▪ talk through your hat ▪ talk tough ▪ talk turkey ▪ talk your way out of of doing something ▪ talking of somebody ▪ you can talk ▪ you're a fine one to talk

Derived: talk at somebody ▪ talk back ▪ talk down to somebody ▪ talk round something ▪ talk somebody down ▪ talk somebody out of something ▪ talk somebody round ▪ talk somebody through something ▪ talk somebody up ▪ talk something down ▪ talk something out ▪ talk something over ▪ talk something through

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary

talk

/tɔ:k/
(talks, talking, talked)

Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.

1.
When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.
He was too distressed to talk...
The boys all began to talk at once...
VERB: V, V
•
Talk is also a noun.
That’s not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.
N-UNCOUNT

2.
If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk.
We talked and laughed a great deal...
I talked to him yesterday...
When she came back, they were talking about American food...
Can’t you see I’m talking? Don’t interrupt.
V-RECIP: pl-n V, V to/with n, pl-n V about n, V (non-recip), also V to n about n
•
Talk is also a noun.
We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.
= conversation
N-COUNT

3.
If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk.
Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...
We need to talk alone...
Do ring if you want to talk about it...
I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V about n (non-recip), V (non-recip)
•
Talk is also a noun.
I think it’s time we had a talk.
N-COUNT

4.
If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.
She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...
He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.
= speak
VERB: V on/about n, V to n
•
Talk is also a noun.
A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site...
N-COUNT: oft N on/about n

5.
Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.
Talks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...
N-PLURAL: oft N with/between n, N on/about n

6.
If one group of people talks to another, or if two groups talk, they have formal discussions in order to do a deal or produce an agreement.
We’re talking to some people about opening an office in London...
The company talked with many potential investors...
It triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.
V-RECIP: V to n about n/-ing, V with/to n, pl-n V

7.
When different countries or different sides in a dispute talk, or talk to each other, they discuss their differences in order to try and settle the dispute.
The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...
They are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...
John Reid has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other...
The speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.
V-RECIP: V to n, pl-n V, V to/with pron-recip, V (non-recip)

8.
If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.
Everyone is talking about him...
People will talk, but you have to get on with your life.
VERB: V about/of n, V
•
Talk is also a noun.
There has been a lot of talk about me getting married...
N-UNCOUNT: usu N about/of n/-ing, N that

9.
If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.
They’ll talk, they’ll implicate me.
VERB: V

10.
If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.
You don’t sound like a foreigner talking English...
They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.
VERB: no passive, V n, V prep/adv

11.
If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.
The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.
VERB: no passive, V n

12.
You can use talk to say what you think of the ideas that someone is expressing. For example, if you say that someone is talking sense, you mean that you think the opinions they are expressing are sensible.
You must admit George, you’re talking absolute rubbish.
VERB: V n

13.
You can say that you are talking a particular thing to draw attention to your topic or to point out a characteristic of what you are discussing. (SPOKEN)
We’re talking megabucks this time.
VERB: no passive, V n

14.
If you say that something such as an idea or threat is just talk, or all talk, you mean that it does not mean or matter much, because people are exaggerating about it or do not really intend to do anything about it.
Has much of this actually been tried here? Or is it just talk?...
N-UNCOUNT

15.
You can say talk about before mentioning a particular expression or situation, when you mean that something is a very striking or clear example of that expression or situation. (INFORMAL)
Took us quite a while to get here, didn’t it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing [emphasis]

16.
You can use the expression talking of to introduce a new topic that you want to discuss, and to link it to something that has already been mentioned.
Belvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.
PHRASE: PHR n/-ing

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary:

¹talk /ˈtɑːk/ verb talks; talked; talk·ing
1 a : to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone

[no obj]

• She never talks at the meetings.
• He did most of the talking during dinner.
• He loves to hear himself talk.
- often + to
• You shouldn't talk to your mother that way.
- often + about
• She still talks about your wedding and how perfect it was.

[+ obj]

• I think she's talking a lot of nonsense/rubbish/drivel.
• You should listen to her; she's talking (good) sense. [=she's saying sensible things]
b [no obj] : to have a conversation or discussion with someone
• We need to talk.
• I can't talk right now. I'm running late.
• They were talking in Spanish.
• We talked on the phone until midnight.
• Both sides in the dispute are now willing to talk.
- often + to
• They talked to each other in a whisper.
• Who were you talking to on the phone?
• I could hear her talking to herself as she studied.
- often + with
• The coach refused to talk with the reporters.
• May I talk with you privately?
- often + about
• You might feel better if you talked to someone about your problems.
• The teacher talked with him about his poor grades.
• When they get together, all they do is talk about sports.
c [+ obj] : to have a conversation about (something)
• They are in the conference room talking business.
• They were talking baseball/politics.
• They like to talk shop [=to talk about work] during lunch. synonyms seespeak
2 [no obj] : to use your voice to say words : speak
• She had laryngitis and couldn't talk.
• I can't understand you. You're talking too fast.
• No talking during the performance, please!
• Would you please stop talking. I'm trying to watch the movie.
• She talks very loud.
• He is teaching the parrot to talk.
• She started talking when she was only eight months old.
3 [no obj] : to be willing to talk to someone after having an argument, disagreement, fight, etc., with that person - always used as (be) talking
• It's been two weeks and they're still not talking (to each other).
4 [no obj] : to talk about the personal lives of other people
• It's rude to talk [=gossip] about people behind their back(s).
• If you continue behaving like that, people are bound to talk.
5 [no obj] : to tell secret information to someone
• The police forced him to talk.
6 [no obj] : to give information without speaking : to communicate with signs, numbers, etc.
• They were talking to each other in sign language.
• When she gets excited, she talks with her hands. [=she moves her hands when she talks]
• The computer is talking to the printer.
7 always followed by an adverb or preposition [+ obj] : to talk until (someone or something) is in a specified state
• He talked himself hoarse. [=he talked so much that his voice became hoarse]
• She talked herself into a corner. [=she put herself in a bad position by talking too much]
• We talked the night away. [=we talked throughout the night]
- see also sweet-talk
8 [no obj] : to criticize someone
✦This sense of talk is often used in phrases like look who's talking, you're one to talk, and you should talk to say that someone should not criticize another person because he or she has the same faults as that other person.
• “She's way too skinny.” “You're one to talk. You need to gain some weight, too.”
9 [+ obj] informal
- used to describe or suggest the size or amount of something; always used as (be) talking
• To fix the car, you're talking at least $500. [=it will cost at least $500 to fix the car]
• The heat was awful. I'm talking 100-degree weather and no air-conditioning.
know what you are talking about
- see ¹know
money talks
- see money
now you're talking informal
- used to say that someone has said or suggested something that you think is good, worth doing, etc.
• “You don't want hamburgers. Well, how about steak?” “Yeah, now you're talking.”
talk a blue streak
- see ¹blue
talk about
1
✦The phrase what are you talking about? can be used to show that you are confused, worried, upset, etc., about something that someone has just said.
• What are you talking about? I did what you told me to do.
2 informal
- used to emphasize the size, amount, or extent of something
• Talk about rain! I've never seen it rain like this in my entire life!
• Talk about having a bad day. I had the worst day ever!
• Talk about short. She's only four feet tall!
- see also ¹talk 1a, b (above)
talk a good game informal : to say things that make people believe that you can do something or that something is true about you even though it is not true
• They talk a good game, but they're not really ready for the championship.
• She talks a good game about protecting the environment, but she doesn't even recycle.
talk around also chiefly Brit talk round [phrasal verb]
1 talk around/round (something) : to avoid talking about (a particular subject) especially because it is difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing
• They've been talking around the real issue rather than addressing it directly.
2 talk (someone) around/round : to cause (someone) to accept and support something (such as an idea) after opposing it
• She says she doesn't agree with it, but we'll talk her around eventually. [=we'll eventually convince/persuade her to support it]
- often + to
• We can talk her round to our way of thinking.
talk at [phrasal verb] informal talk at (someone) : to speak to (someone) without listening to what he or she says to you in reply
• My dad is always talking at me.
• You need to talk to your children, not talk at them.
talk back [phrasal verb] : to answer (someone) in a rude way that does not show proper respect
• Don't talk back!
- often + to
• She was punished for talking back to her parents.
talk down [phrasal verb]
1 talk down to (someone) : to talk to (someone) in an overly simple way which suggests that he or she is not intelligent
• Many politicians are guilty of talking down to voters.
• Don't talk down to me. I'm not stupid.
2 talk down (something or someone) or talk (something or someone) down
a : to describe (something or someone) as unimportant
• He talked down [=downplayed] his accomplishments.
b : to cause (the price of something) to be lower by talking to someone
• She managed to talk down his asking price for the car. : to convince (someone) to lower the price of something
• She talked him down 500 dollars.
3 talk (someone) down : to convince (someone who is standing on a high place and threatening to jump) to come down and not to commit suicide
• He tried to talk her down from the ledge. [=to convince her to not jump from the ledge]
- sometimes used figuratively
• He was about to quit his job in anger, but she managed to talk him down. [=to convince him not to do it]
talk into [phrasal verb] talk (someone) into (something) : to get (someone) to do something by talking about the good reasons for doing it : to convince or persuade (someone) to do something
• The salesman talked us into buying the car.
• Her friends couldn't talk her into going on the trip.
talk nineteen to the dozen Brit informal : to speak rapidly and without stopping
• He showed us around the house while talking nineteen to the dozen. [=(US) talking a blue streak]
talk of [phrasal verb] talk of (someone or something) : to speak or write about (someone or something) : to mention (a subject) in speech or writing
• It was the first time she talked of going to law school.
• She never talks of [=talks about, speaks of] her suffering during the war.
• In the letter, he talked of feeling ill.
• (Brit) Talking of [=speaking of] Jill, where is she?
talk of the devil
- see devil
talk out [phrasal verb] talk out (something) or talk (something) out : to talk about (something) in order to find a solution
• The teacher told him to talk out the problem.
talk out of [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) out of (something) : to prevent (someone) from doing (something) by talking about the good reasons for not doing it : to persuade or convince (someone) not to do (something)
• He talked her out of quitting school.
2 talk (yourself) out of (something) or talk your way out of (something) : to avoid (something unpleasant or undesirable) by saying things to make other people forgive or excuse you
• She talked herself out of trouble. = She talked her way out of trouble. [=she got herself out of trouble by talking]
• He talked his way out of staying to clean up after the party.
talk over [phrasal verb] talk (something) over or talk over (something) : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• We need some time to talk over the offer.
- usually + with
• I need to talk it over with my wife, first.
talk someone's ear off US informal : to talk to someone for a very long period of time
• He talks my ear off every time I call him.
talk (some) sense into/to
- see ¹sense
talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey Brit informal : to talk for a long time
• She rarely spoke, but her brother could talk the hind legs off a donkey. [=he was very talkative]
talk the same language
- see language
talk the talk : to say that you will do things
• Sure, she talks the talk, but can she walk the walk? [=she says that she will do things, but will she actually do them?]
talk through [phrasal verb]
1 talk (someone) through (something) : to help (someone) understand or do something by explaining its steps in a careful way
• The woman on the phone talked me through the procedure.
2 talk (something) through : to discuss (something) with someone in order to make a decision or reach an agreement
• Have you talked this through with your family?
3 informal + old-fashioned
✦If you are talking through your hat, you are saying incorrect, foolish, or illogical things.
• If he says that there's no problem, he's talking through his hat.
talk tough : to say that you will act in a forceful and aggressive way
• When the subject is national security, all the candidates talk tough. [=they say that they will act aggressively to support national security]
- often + on
• The new mayor talks tough on crime.
talk trash
- see ¹trash
talk turkey
- see turkey
talk up [phrasal verb] talk up (someone or something) or talk (someone or something) up : to describe (someone or something) in a favorable way
• The salesperson talked up the car's safety features.
• He's being talked up as the next big pop star.