Expressions with talk

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions using the word talk. Each expression is followed by its meaning or definition. Example sentences are also given.

To talk through one’s hat

To talk through one’s hat is to speak carelessly or tell lies.

• Are you talking through your hat? Your words hardly make any sense to me.
• I would like to believe what he says but I can’t because he often talks through his hat.

Talk to hear one’s own voice

To talk to hear one’s own voice is to find pleasure in talking too much.

• If you talk to hear your own voice, you might lose your friends.

Talk turkey

To talk turkey is to talk frankly.

• ‘OK, Peter, we’ve quite a few issues to discuss. Let’s talk turkey.’

Talk until you are blue in the face

To talk until you are blue in the face is to talk at length although it might have no influence on others.

• I talked until I was blue in the face, but I couldn’t convince her.

Do (all) the talking

To do all the talking is to explain things.

• Let him do the talking. He is an expert that field.

Not know what someone is talking about

This expression is used for saying that you do not understand what somebody is talking about even though you really understand.

• ‘You broke our window while playing cricket, didn’t you?’ ‘Me!? I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Now you’re talking

This expression is used when you are happy with an offer somebody is making.

• ‘OK. I’ll give you 500 dollars for that computer.’ ‘Now you’re talking.’ (= I’m happy with that offer you have just made.)