Talking or speaking is something we do every day to share our thoughts and feelings with others. But did you know there are special phrases, called idioms, that make talking about speaking even more fun and interesting? These idioms can help us describe how, why, or in what way we’re communicating without using the same old words. They add spice and color to our conversations, making our language richer and more vibrant. In this post, we’re going to explore some cool idioms related to speaking that will help you express yourself in more creative ways, whether you’re chatting with a friend, giving a speech, or telling a story.
What Does Speaking Mean?
Speaking is the act of using one’s voice to express thoughts, feelings, or information. It’s a fundamental way humans communicate with each other, allowing us to share our ideas, tell stories, and connect with others. Speaking can range from casual conversations to formal presentations, embodying the rich diversity of human expression and interaction.
Idioms About Speaking
1. Shoot the breeze
Meaning: Chat
- They often shoot the breeze together.
- Let’s shoot the breeze over coffee.
- Shooting the breeze on sunny afternoons.
2. Speak your mind
Meaning: Express
- Always speak your mind confidently.
- She didn’t hesitate to speak her mind.
- It’s important to speak your mind.
3. Get a word in
Meaning: Contribute
- Can’t even get a word in.
- He struggled to get a word in.
- They let everyone get a word in.
4. Beat around the bush
Meaning: Evade
- Stop beating around the bush now.
- She’s always beating around the bush.
- He beat around the bush annoyingly.
5. Give someone an earful
Meaning: Scold
- She gave him an earful yesterday.
- Got an earful from the boss.
- He’ll give her an earful later.
6. Talk shop
Meaning: Discuss work
- They like to talk shop often.
- Avoid talking shop at dinners.
- Always talking shop, even at home.
7. Have a say
Meaning: Participate
- Everyone should have a say here.
- She really wants to have a say.
- They didn’t let him have a say.
8. Talk up a storm
Meaning: Chatter
- She can talk up a storm.
- They talked up a storm yesterday.
- He’s talking up a storm at parties.
9. Speak volumes
Meaning: Communicate effectively
- His actions speak volumes about him.
- Her silence speaks volumes sometimes.
- This decision speaks volumes to everyone.
10. Hold your tongue
Meaning: Refrain
- He should hold his tongue more.
- She held her tongue at dinner.
- Sometimes, it’s best to hold your tongue.
11. Spill the beans
Meaning: Reveal
- He accidentally spilled the beans.
- Don’t spill the beans about it!
- She might spill the beans today.
12. Talk the hind legs off a donkey
Meaning: Over-talk
- She could talk the hind legs off.
- Never met someone who talks hind legs off.
- He’s talking the hind legs off again.
13. Get the floor
Meaning: Speak
- He finally got the floor.
- She struggled to get the floor.
- Once he got the floor, he explained.
14. Put in a good word
Meaning: Recommend
- Please put in a good word.
- He put in a good word for her.
- She always puts in a good word.
15. On the tip of your tongue
Meaning: Almost remembered
- The name’s on the tip of my tongue.
- It’s right on the tip of your tongue.
- Answers often stay on the tip of tongues.
16. Run your mouth
Meaning: Babble
- He tends to run his mouth.
- Don’t run your mouth at meetings.
- She ran her mouth, caused trouble.
17. Voice your opinion
Meaning: Express
- Always voice your opinion clearly.
- He voiced his opinion loudly.
- Voicing your opinion matters here.
18. Talk a blue streak
Meaning: Talk rapidly
- She can talk a blue streak.
- He talked a blue streak excitedly.
- They were talking a blue streak.
19. Chew the fat
Meaning: Converse
- Let’s chew the fat sometime.
- They chewed the fat all evening.
- He chews the fat with neighbors.
20. Make small talk
Meaning: Chat casually
- He hates making small talk.
- We made small talk at the party.
- She’s great at making small talk.
21. Have the last word
Meaning: Conclude
- He always has the last word.
- She had the last word in the argument.
- They fight to have the last word.
22. Not mince words
Meaning: Blunt
- She does not mince words.
- He never minces words with feedback.
- Not mincing words can be harsh.
23. Talk turkey
Meaning: Negotiate seriously
- They need to talk turkey now.
- We talked turkey and reached agreement.
- Let’s talk turkey about this deal.
24. Bite your tongue
Meaning: Hold back
- Sometimes, you must bite your tongue.
- He bit his tongue during the meeting.
- Bite your tongue in sensitive situations.
25. Clear the air
Meaning: Clarify
- We need to clear the air.
- She cleared the air with honesty.
- Clearing the air helped their relationship.
26. Bend someone’s ear
Meaning: Talk a lot
- He bent her ear for hours.
- Always bending someone’s ear with stories.
- She bent his ear about work.
27. Get off your chest
Meaning: Express
- Just get it off your chest.
- He got it off his chest finally.
- She needs to get that off her chest.
28. Pull someone’s leg
Meaning: Tease
- I’m just pulling your leg!
- He pulled her leg with a joke.
- They love pulling each other’s leg.
29. Lay it on the line
Meaning: Be frank
- He laid it on the line yesterday.
- She’ll lay it on the line today.
- Lay it on the line for clarity.
30. Call a spade a spade
Meaning: Be direct
- She always calls a spade a spade.
- He called a spade a spade, finally.
- Calling a spade a spade is refreshing.
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