This flashcard defines "talk" as a verb meaning to use spoken language to express thoughts, ideas, or feelings. It also covers its use in reciprocal verb phrases like "talk to" or "talk with" to describe conversations and discussions. Additionally, "talk" can mean to give an informal speech or to speak a particular language or with a particular accent, and as a noun, it refers to formal discussions or negotiations.
This flashcard defines "talk" as a verb meaning to use spoken language to express thoughts, ideas, or feelings. It also covers its use in reciprocal verb phrases like "talk to" or "talk with" to describe conversations and discussions. Additionally, "talk" can mean to give an informal speech or to speak a particular language or with a particular accent, and as a noun, it refers to formal discussions or negotiations.
[VERB 动词]讲话;说话 When you talk, you use spoken language to express your thoughts, ideas, or feelings.
[V]
[usu N about/of n/-ing]
He was too distressed to talk...
他伤心得讲不出话来。
A teacher reprimanded a girl for talking in class...
老师斥责了一个在课堂上说话的女生。
The boys all began to talk at once...
所有的男孩子们立即说起话来。
Though she can't talk yet, she understands what is going on.
虽然她还不会说话,可发生的这一切她都懂。
Talk is also a noun.
That's not the kind of talk one usually hears from accountants.
会计们通常不会说那样的话。
2
[V-RECIP 相互动词]交谈;谈话 If you talk to someone, you have a conversation with them. You can also say that two people talk .
[pl-n V]
[V to/with n]
[pl-n V about n]
[V (non-recip)]
[Also V to n about n]
We talked and laughed a great deal...
我们说笑了很久。
I talked to him yesterday...
昨天我和他谈过了。
A neighbour saw her talking with Craven...
一个邻居看见她在和克雷文交谈。
When she came back, they were talking about American food...
她回来时,他们在谈论美国食品。
Can't you see I'm talking? Don't interrupt.
没看见我在说话吗?别插嘴。
Talk is also a noun.
We had a long talk about her father, Tony, who was a friend of mine.
她爸爸托尼是我的朋友,我们一起谈论了他很久。
3
[V-RECIP 相互动词]谈心,倾诉,诉说心事 If you talk to someone, you tell them about the things that are worrying you. You can also say that two people talk .
[V to n]
[pl-n V]
[V about n (non-recip)]
[V (non-recip)]
Your first step should be to talk to a teacher or school counselor...
你第一步应该是去找老师或学校辅导员谈谈。
There's no one she can talk to, and she's on the verge of collapse...
她找不到一个可以倾诉的对象,快要崩溃了。
We need to talk alone...
我们得单独谈谈。
Do ring if you want to talk about it...
你要是想谈谈,一定给我打电话。
I have to sort some things out. We really needed to talk.
我必须把一些事情搞清楚。我们真的需要谈一谈。
Talk is also a noun.
I think it's time we had a talk.
我感觉我们是该谈谈了。
4
[VERB 动词]发表谈话;发表观点 If you talk on or about something, you make an informal speech telling people what you know or think about it.
[V on/about n]
[V to n]
She will talk on the issues she cares passionately about including education and nursery care...
她将会谈一些自己十分感兴趣的话题,包括教育和幼儿护理。
He intends to talk to young people about the dangers of AIDS.
他打算和青年人谈谈艾滋病的危害。
Talk is also a noun.
A guide gives a brief talk on the history of the site...
导游简要地介绍了那个遗址的历史。
He then set about campaigning, giving talks and fund-raising.
然后他就着手进行竞选,发表讲话,筹集资金。
Usage Note :
There are some differences in the way the verbs speak and talk are used. When you speak, you could, for example, be addressing someone or making a speech. Talk is more likely to be used when you are referring to a conversation or discussion. I talked about it with my family at dinner... Sometimes we'd talk all night. Talk can also be used to emphasize the activity of saying things, rather than the words that are spoken. She thought I talked too much. See also note at discuss.
speak 和 talk 两个动词的用法有些不同。speak 可以表示对人讲话或发表演讲,而 talk 更有可能表示谈话或讨论:I talked about it with my family at dinner (吃晚饭时,我和家人讨论了这件事),Sometimes we'd talk all night (有时我们能谈上一宿)。talk 也可以用来强调说话的行为,而非所说的话,例如:She thought I talked too much (她嫌我话太多)。参见 discuss 词条下的说明。
5
[N-PLURAL 复数名词](通常指国家、劳资间为达成某种协定的)谈判,商谈Talks are formal discussions intended to produce an agreement, usually between different countries or between employers and employees.
[oft N with/between n]
...the next round of Middle East peace talks...
下一轮中东和平谈判
Talks between striking railway workers and the Polish government have broken down...
罢工的铁路工人和波兰政府间举行的谈判已经破裂了。
They are holding hostages to try to force the authorities into talks on possible amnesties for drugs offences.
他们扣押了若干人质以胁迫当局就赦免毒品犯罪与他们谈判。
6
[V-RECIP 相互动词]磋商;讨论 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.
[V to n about n/-ing]
[V with/to n]
[pl-n V]
We're talking to some people about opening an office in London...
我们在和一些人讨论在伦敦设立办事处的事儿。
The company talked with many potential investors...
公司和许多潜在的投资人举行了磋商。
It triggered broad speculation that GM and Jaguar might be talking.
这引发了人们对通用公司和捷豹公司可能在进行磋商的大量猜测。
7
[V-RECIP 相互动词]会谈;对话;谈判 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.
[V to n]
[pl-n V]
[V to/with pron-recip]
[V (non-recip)]
The Foreign Minister said he was ready to talk to any country that had no hostile intentions...
外交部长说他愿意和任何不怀敌意的国家举行会谈。
They are collecting information in preparation for the day when the two sides sit down and talk...
他们正在收集情报,为双方坐下来谈判的那一天做准备。
John Reid has to find a way to make both sides talk to each other...
约翰·里德得想办法让双方对话。
The speed with which the two sides came to the negotiating table shows that they are ready to talk.
双方那么快就来到谈判桌旁,这说明他们愿意谈判。
8
[VERB 动词]议论;嚼舌;说闲话 If people are talking about another person or are talking, they are discussing that person.
[V about/of n]
[V]
Everyone is talking about him...
人人都在议论他。
People will talk, but you have to get on with your life.
人们会有议论,但日子还得过下去。
Talk is also a noun.
There has been a lot of talk about me getting married...
有很多传言说我要结婚了。
There was even talk that charges of fraud would be brought.
甚至有传闻说会以诈骗罪起诉。
9
[VERB 动词](通常指不情愿地)供出,招认,招供 If someone talks when they are being held by police or soldiers, they reveal important or secret information, usually unwillingly.
[V]
They'll talk, they'll implicate me.
他们会招供的,他们会把我牵连进去的。
10
[VERB 动词]讲,说,操(某种语言或口音) If you talk a particular language or talk with a particular accent, you use that language or have that accent when you speak.
[V n]
[V prep/adv]
[no passive]
You don't sound like a foreigner talking English...
听你讲英语,不像是外国人。
They were amazed that I was talking in an Irish accent.
我说话带爱尔兰口音让他们感到很惊奇。
11
[VERB 动词]谈论,讨论(政治、体育等) If you talk something such as politics or sport, you discuss it.
[V n]
[no passive]
The guests were mostly middle-aged men talking business.
顾客多数是些谈正事的中年男子。
12
[VERB 动词]说,讲(…的话) 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.
[V n]
You must admit George, you're talking absolute rubbish.
乔治,你得承认你说的全都是废话。
13
[VERB 动词]谈论;讨论 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.
[V n]
[no passive]
[SPOKEN 口语]
We're not talking a murder here; we're talking poker machines or gambling — things that are misdemeanors in most states...
我们现在讨论的不是谋杀,而是扑克机或赌博——这些在多数州只能算轻罪了。
We're talking megabucks this time.
我们这次谈的可是上百万的买卖。
14
[N-UNCOUNT 不可数名词](想法、威胁)说说而已,空谈 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?...
这个多半已经真正尝试过了吗?还是仅仅说说而已?
Conditions should be laid down. Otherwise it's all talk.
应该先定下条件,否则全是空谈。
15
[PHRASE 短语]这才叫…;真是 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.
[PHR n/-ing]
[emphasis]
[INFORMAL 非正式]
Took us quite a while to get here, didn't it? Talk about Fate moving in a mysterious way!...
我们用了很长时间才走到今天这步,是吧?这就叫命运难测啊!
She threw the cake I'd made on the floor and stood on it. Talk about being humiliated!
她把我做的蛋糕扔到地上,然后踩在了上面。真是欺人太甚!
16
[PHRASE 短语]我说,说到,谈到(用于引出新话题) 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.
[PHR n/-ing]
Belvoir Farms produce a delicious elderflower tea. Talking of elderflower, you might wish to try Elderflower Champagne.
贝尔沃农场生产一种非常好喝的接骨木花茶。说到接骨木花,你兴许想尝尝接骨木花香槟酒。
As it says in the Bible, my cup is running over. Talking of which, I must get you a cup of tea.
正如《圣经》所说,给我恩赐太多了,我的杯子已经满满当当了。说到杯子,我得去给你倒杯茶来。
17
to talk shop→see:
shop
;
相关词组:
talk around
talk back
talk down
talk down to
talk into
talk out
talk out of
talk over
talk round
talk through
talk up
Oxford
talk★/tɔːk; NAmEtɔːk/
verb
,
noun
talktalkstalkedtalkingverb★speak to sb 与人说话1★[intransitive , transitive ]to say things; to speak in order to give information or to express feelings, ideas, etc. 说话;讲话;谈话◆Stop talking and listen!别说话,注意听!◆We talked on the phone for over an hour.我们在电话里谈了一个多小时。talk(to/with sb) (about sb/sth) ◆Who were you talking to just now?你刚才在跟谁说话?◆We looked around the school and talked with the principal.我们参观了那所学校,并跟校长进行了交谈。◆Ann and Joe aren't talkingto each other right now (= they refuse to speak to each other because they have argued).安和乔两人现在互不理睬。◆When they get together, all they talk about is football.他们在一起时,谈论的都是足球。◆What are you talking about?(= used when you are surprised, annoyed and/or worried by sth that sb has just said)你在胡说什么?(对他人所言感到惊奇、不悦或担忧时用)◆I don't know what you're talking about(= used to say that you did not do sth that sb has accused you of).我不知道你在说什么(表示自己没有做对方指责的事)。talkof sth ◆Mary is talking of looking for another job.玛丽说起要另找一份工作。talkyourself + adj. ◆We talked ourselves hoarse,catching up on all the news. 我们互诉近况,把嗓子都说哑了。discuss 讨论2★[intransitive , transitive ]to discuss sth, usually sth serious or important 讨论,谈论,商谈,洽谈(通常指重大的事)◆This situation can't go on. We need to talk.这种情况不能再继续下去了。我们需要谈一谈。◆The two sides in the dispute say they are ready to talk.争执双方说他们愿意商谈。talk(to/with sb) (about sth) ◆Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.如果你仍然不放心,就找医生谈一谈。talksth ◆to talk business谈公事say words 说话3★[intransitive , transitive ]to say words in a language (用某种语言)讲,说◆The baby is just starting to talk.这婴儿刚开始咿呀学语。talkin sth ◆We couldn't understand them because they were talking in Chinese.我们听不懂他们在讲些什么,因为他们说的是中国话。talksth ◆Are they talking Swedish or Danish?他们说的是瑞典语还是丹麦语?sense/nonsense 有╱无理4[transitive ]talksth to say things that are/are not sensible 说,讲(有理、无理的话)◆She talks a lot of sense.她讲得很在理。◆( BrE) You're talking rubbish!你胡说八道!◆See if you can talk some sense into him(= persuade him to be sensible).看你能否给他讲通道理。for emphasis 加强语气5[transitive ]be talking sth( informal) used to emphasize an amount of money, how serious sth is, etc. (用以强调款额、情况严重程度等)讲的是,指的是◆We're talking £500 for three hours' work.咱们讲的可是工作三个小时酬金 500 英镑。about private life 私生活6[intransitive ]to talk about a person's private life 说闲话;讲人坏话;嚼舌头SYN
gossip
◆Don't phone me at work— people will talk.别在上班时给我打电话,人家会说闲话的。give information 提供信息7[intransitive ]to give information to sb, especially unwillingly 供出消息;供认;招认◆The police questioned him but he refused to talk.警察审问他,但他拒不招供。IDIOMSlook who's ˈtalking | ˈyou can/can't talk | you're a ˈfine one to talk( informal) used to tell sb that they should not criticize sb else for sth because they do the same things too (用以表示自己同样不对时不要批评别人)还有脸说别人◆‘George is so careless with money.’ ‘Look who's talking!’“乔治真是乱花钱。”“亏你还有脸说别人!”now you're ˈtalking( informal) used when you like what sb has suggested very much (表示赞同对方的话)你这算说对了,你所言正合我意ˈtalk about…( informal) used to emphasize sth (用以强调)这才叫,真是…不得了◆Talk about mean! She didn't even buy me a card.这才叫吝啬呢!她连张贺卡都没给我买。talk ˈdirty( informal) to talk to sb about sex in order to make them sexually excited 说下流话talk a good ˈgame( NAmE) to talk in a way that sounds convincing, but may not be sincere 说得好听;说得天花乱坠talk the hind leg off a ˈdonkey( informal) to talk too much, especially about boring or unimportant things 唠叨个没完没了;喋喋不休talking of sb/sth( informal) ( especially BrE) used when you are going to say more about a subject that has already been mentioned (继续谈论时用)提起,说起,谈及,至于◆Talking of Sue, I met her new boyfriend last week.谈到苏,上星期我遇到了她的新男友。talk ˈshop( usually disapproving) to talk about your work with the people you work with, especially when you are also with other people who are not connected with or interested in it 说行话;三句话不离本行(尤指当着外行的面)ˌtalk the ˈtalk( informal,sometimes disapproving) to be able to talk in a confident way that makes people think you are good at what you do 说得头头是道◆You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk? (= can you act in a way that matches your words?)你说得头头是道,可你能做到吗?talk through your ˈhat( old-fashioned,informal) to say silly things while you are talking about a subject you do not understand 胡说;信口开河;瞎扯talk ˈtough (on sth)( informal) ( especially NAmE) to tell people very strongly what you want 强硬地说;强烈地要求talk ˈturkey( informal) ( especially NAmE) to talk about sth seriously 郑重其事地谈;严肃认真地谈talk your way out of sth/of doing sthto make excuses and give reasons for not doing sth; to manage to get yourself out of a difficult situation 靠能言善辩开脱;以话解围◆I managed to talk my way out of having to give a speech.我好说歹说总算逃脱了发言差事。ˈyou can/can't talk( informal) = look who's talkingyou're a ˈfine one to talk( informal) = look who's talking☞more at
devil
,
know
v.,
language
,
money
,
sense
n.,
turn
n.PHRASAL VERBSˌtalk aˈround/ˈround sthto talk about sth in a general way without dealing with the most important parts of it 拐弯抹角地说;不着边际地说ˈtalk at sbto speak to sb without listening to what they say in reply (不理会对方反应)对某人大发议论,滔滔不绝地对某人说ˌtalk ˈback (to sb)to answer sb rudely, especially sb in authority (尤指对掌权者)回嘴,顶嘴☞related noun
back talk
ˌtalk sb/sth↔ˈdownto help a pilot of a plane to land by giving instructions from the ground 引导(飞行员)着陆;引降ˌtalk sth↔ˈdownto make sth seem less important or successful than it really is 贬低;贬抑◆You shouldn't talk down your own achievements.你不该贬低自己的成绩。ˌtalk ˈdown to sbto speak to sb as if they were less important or intelligent than you 以高人一等的口气说话ˌtalk sb ˈinto/ˈout of sthto persuade sb to do/not to do sth 说服某人做╱不做某事◆I didn't want to move abroad but Bill talked me into it.我本不想移居国外,但是比尔把我给说服了。talkdoing sth ◆She tried to talk him out of leaving.她极力劝他不要离去。ˌtalk sth↔ˈoutto discuss sth thoroughly in order to make a decision, solve a problem, etc. 把…谈透;协商作出(决定);协商解决(问题)ˌtalk sth↔ˈover (with sb)to discuss sth thoroughly, especially in order to reach an agreement or make a decision 详细讨论,详谈(以达成协议或作出决定)◆You'll find it helpful to talk things over with a friend.把情况和朋友详细聊一聊,你会觉得大有帮助。ˌtalk sb ˈround (to sth)( BrE) to persuade sb to accept sth or agree to sth 说服;劝说某人同意◆We finally managed to talk them round to our way of thinking.我们最后总算说服他们接受我们的想法。ˌtalk sb ˈthrough sthto explain to sb how sth works so that they can do it or understand it 给某人解说◆Can you talk me through the various investment options?你能给我详述可以选择的各种投资方法吗?ˌtalk sth ↔ˈthroughto discuss sth thoroughly until you are sure you understand it 把某事谈透ˌtalk sb/sth ˈupto describe sb/sth in a way that makes them sound better than they really are 过分夸奖;吹捧noun★conversation 交谈1★[countable ]talk(with sb) (about sth) a conversation or discussion 交谈;谈话;讨论;商讨◆I had along talkwith my boss about my career prospects. 我和老板就我的事业前景进行了一次长谈。◆I had to have a heart-to-heart talk with her.我得推心置腹地和她谈一谈。☞synonyms at
discussion
formal discussions 正式讨论2★talks[plural ]formal discussions between governments or organizations (政府或组织之间正式的)洽谈,会谈,谈判◆arms/pay/peace, etc. talks军备、工资、和平等谈判◆to hold talks举行会谈talk(between A and B) (on/over sth) ◆Talksbetween management and workers broke downover the issue of holiday pay. 劳资双方就假日工资的谈判破裂了。◆A further round of talkswill be needed if the dispute is to be resolved. 要解决纠纷,还需再举行一轮谈判。speech 讲话3★[countable ]talk(on sth) a speech or lecture on a particular subject (专题)报告,演讲◆She gave a talkon her visit to China. 她作了一次访华报告。☞synonyms at
speech
words without actions 空话4[uncountable ]( informal) words that are spoken, but without the necessary facts or actions to support them 空话;空谈◆It's just talk. He'd never carry out his threats.这只不过是说说而已。他绝不会把他的恫吓付诸行动。◆Don't pay any attention to her—she's all talk.别听她的,她光说空话。stories/rumours 传闻;谣言5[uncountable ]talk(of sth/of doing sth) |talk(that…) stories that suggest a particular thing might happen in the future 传言;谣言;流言蜚语;揣测◆There was talk in Washington of sending in troops.华盛顿有派兵的谣传。◆She dismissed the stories of her resignation as newspaper talk.她不理会有关她辞职的报道,认为那不过是报纸的谣言。topic/way of speaking 话题;说话方式6[uncountable ]( often in compounds 常构成复合词) a topic of conversation or a way of speaking 话题;说话方式◆business talk商务谈话◆She said it was just girl talkthat a man wouldn't understand. 她说这是女生话题,男人是听不懂的。◆The book teaches you how to understand Spanish street talk(= slang).这本书教你如何理解西班牙俚语。◆It was tough talk, coming from a man who had begun the year in a hospital bed.这话出自年初住进医院的一位男子之口,语气很强硬。☞see also
small talk
,
sweet talk
,
trash talk
IDIOMthe talk of sththe person or thing that everyone is talking about in a particular place (某地人人谈论的)话题,谈论中心◆Overnight, she became the talk of the town(= very famous).一夜之间,她成了街头巷尾谈论的话题。☞more at
fight
v.SYNONYMS 同义词辨析talkdiscuss ◆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. 以上各词均含交流、交谈之意。■talkto speak in order to give information, express feelings or share ideas 指说话、讲话、谈话:◆We talked on the phone for over an hour.我们在电话里谈了一个多小时。■discuss( rather formal) to talk and share ideas on a subject or problem with other people, especially in order to decide sth 指谈论、讨论、商量:◆Have you discussed the problem with anyone?你与谁商量过这个问题吗?NOTEYou cannot say ‘discuss about sth’. 不能说 discuss about sth:◆I'm not prepared to discuss about this on the phone.■speakto talk to sb about sth; to have a conversation with sb 指谈话、交谈:◆I've spoken to the manager about it.那件事我已经和经理谈过了。◆‘Can I speak to Susan?’ ‘Speaking.’ (= at the beginning of a telephone conversation)“请问苏珊在吗?”“我就是。”(电话中交谈)talk or speak? 用 talk 还是 speak?Speakcan suggest a more formal level of communication than talk.You speakto sb about sth to try to achieve a particular goal or to tell them to do sth. You talkto sb in order to be friendly or to ask their advice. 与 talk 比较,speak 所指的交谈可能更正式。与某人交谈试图达到某一目的或让对方做某事用 speak,为表示友好或询问建议用 talk:◆Have you talked to your parents about the problems you're having?你同你父母谈过你所面临的问题吗?◆I've spoken to Ed about it and he's promised not to let it happen again.我已经同埃德谈过了,他答应不让这种事情再次发生。■communicate( rather formal) to exchange information or ideas with sb 指与某人交流信息或意见:◆We only communicate by email.我们只通过电子邮件进行交流。◆Dolphins use sound to communicate with each other.海豚用声音相互沟通。NOTECommunicateis often used when the speaker wants to draw attention to the means of communication used. 说话者要让人注意交流的方式时常用 communicate。■debateto discuss sth, especially formally, before making a decision or finding a solution (尤指正式)讨论、辩论:◆Politicians will be debating the bill later this week.政界将在本周晚些时候讨论这项议案。■consult( rather formal) to discuss sth with sb in order to get their permission for sth, or to help you make a decision 指(与某人)商议、商量(以得到许可或帮助决策):◆You shouldn't have done it without consulting me.你不该不和我商量就做了这件事。PATTERNS◆to talk/discuss sth/speak/communicate/debate/consult withsb ◆to talk/speak tosb ◆to talk/speak to sb/consult sb aboutsth ◆to talk/speak ofsth talk/tɔːk; NAmEtɔːk/
LDC
talk1 verb
talk2 noun
talktalk1 /tɔːk $ tɒːk/ ●●●S1W1 verb
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1conversation [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.2serious subject [intransitive, transitive] 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.RegisterIn 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.3say 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).4a speech [intransitive] to give a speechtalk on/about Professor Davis will talk about ‘Trends in Network Computing’.5secret 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.6talk sense/rubbish/nonsense etc spoken used to say that you think someone is saying something sensible, something stupid etc: You do talk rubbish sometimes, Jules.7talk (some) sense into somebody to persuade someone to behave sensibly: She hoped Father McCormack would be able to talk some sense into her son.8talk to yourself to say your thoughts out loud: ‘What did you say?’ ‘Sorry, I was just talking to myself.’9know 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.10talk the hind leg(s) off a donkey informal to talk a lot, especially about unimportant things11talk 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!12talking 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?13what 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.14I’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!15be 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 you16talk somebody’s ear off American English spoken to talk too much to someone17talk 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.18talk 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
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19I’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.20now 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.’21look who’s talking, (also 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!’22we’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.23talk 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.24talk nineteen to the dozen British English informal, talk a blue streak American English informal to talk very quickly without stopping25talk in riddles to deliberately talk in a strange and confusing way: Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on.26talk tough (on something) informal to give people your opinions very strongly: The president is talking tough on crime.27talk 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?28talk dirty (to somebody) informal to talk in a sexual way to someone in order to make them feel sexually excited29be talking through your hat British English informal if someone is talking through their hat, they say stupid things about something that they do not understand30talk smack American English informal to criticize someone or something in an unpleasant way31talk 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.GRAMMAR: Patterns with talk• Two people talk: · We’ll talk later.• You talk to someone: · I’ll talk to you later.✗Don’t say: I’ll talk you later.• You talk with someone: · I’ve talked with her teacher.• You talk about something or talk about doing something: · He talked about his feelings.· We talked about changing the system.✗Don’t say: He talked his feelings.• In formal or literary English, you talk of something or of doing something: · She’s talking of leaving.• You talk in a particular type of voice: · She was talking in a really loud voice.THESAURUStalk 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/ 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 thingshave 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 seriouslydiscuss 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 English1talk somebody around/round to persuade someone to change their opinion about something: Leave Betty to me. I’ll soon talk her round.2talk 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 verbto answer someone in authority such as a teacher or parent in a rude or impolite waytalk down phrasal verb1 British English to make something seem less successful, interesting, good etc than it really is: the pessimists who are talking down Britain2to help a pilot land an aircraft by giving them instructions from the ground by radiotalk down to phrasal verbto talk to someone as if they are stupid, although they are notSYN patronize: The students felt that they were talked down to as though they were children.talk into phrasal verbto persuade someone to do somethingtalk somebody into doing something My husband talked me into going skiing.talk out phrasal verb informal1to discuss a problem thoroughly in order to solve it: We need to spend a little time talking this out.talk out with It might help if you talked it out with Dad.2British 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 itSYN filibuster: The Land Protection Bill was talked out by MPs from rural areas.talk out of phrasal verbto persuade someone not to do somethingtalk somebody out of doing something Can’t you talk them out of selling the house?talk over phrasal verbto discuss a problem with someone before deciding what to dotalk over with Talk over any worries with your GP.talk through phrasal verb1talk something ↔ through to discuss something thoroughly so that you are sure you understand it: Allow time to talk through any areas of difficulty.2talk 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 to phrasal verbto tell people about or explain something that you have some knowledge of: I can’t talk to the technical aspects of the proposal, but it sounds in general like a good idea.talk up phrasal verbto make something appear more important, interesting, successful etc than it really is: Jones talked up the idea at the meeting.
talk1 verb
talk2 noun
talktalk2 ●●●S1W1 noun
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1conversation [countable] a conversation: After a long talk, we decided on divorce. John, I’d like to have a talk with you.talk about We must have a talk about money.2discussion talks [plural] formal discussions between governments, organizations etcpeace/trade etc talks The peace talks look promising. The president held talks with Chinese officials.talk with Talks with the rebels have failed.3speech [countable] a speech: an entertaining talktalk on/about a talk on local historygive/do/deliver a talk Dr Howard will give a talk on herbal medicine.► see thesaurus at
speech
4news [uncountable] information or news that people talk about and hear about a lot, but that is not officialtalk of Tickets sold so quickly there’s talk of a second concert.talk of doing something the administration’s talk of reducing weaponstalk that There’s talk that she’s difficult to work with.just/only talk It’s just talk. He’ll never do it.5type of conversation [uncountable] type of conversation: That’s enough of that kind of talk. persuasive sales talk That’s fighting talk (=brave and confident words) from Italy’s manager.6be all talk spoken someone who is all talk talks a lot about what they intend to do, but never actually does it7be the talk of the town/Paris etc someone who is the talk of the town has done something bad, shocking, exciting etc and everyone is talking about them: She’s the talk of London’s theatre-goers since her last performance.8talk is cheap used to say that you do not believe someone will do what they say →
pep talk
, small talk
, → idle talk
at idle1(2)
, → pillow talk
at pillow1(3)
COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbshave a talk· I must have a talk with Frank before I leave.adjectivesa long talk· I had a long talk with Nora this morning.a little talk· I’m glad we’ve had this little talk.a serious talk· Before she went to college, her father sat her down for a serious talk.a quiet/private talk· She asked if she could have a private talk.a good talk (=a long talk about important or interesting things)· She was upset, but we’ve had a good talk and things are okay now.a nice talk· We all had lunch together and a nice talk.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbshave/hold talks· He called on the rebels to hold talks with the government.enter into talks (=start having talks)· The Ambassador stated that France was prepared to enter into talks on the issue.talks begin· Talks began in October and Venezuela said it expects an agreement to be signed soon.talks continue/are underway· Talks will continue through the weekend.talks break down/collapse (=stop because of disagreement)· Talks broke down today between the Russian and Japanese delegations.talks resume/are resumed· Talks resumed in Geneva on April 19 after a month’s break.talks end· The talks ended without a settlement being reached.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + talkspeace talks· All four Arab delegations walked out of the Middle East peace talks yesterday.trade talks· Trade talks between the EU and the Americans have once again collapsed.high-level talks (=involving important people)· The announcement came after a morning of high-level talks.budget talks· The dollar fell as U.S. budget talks appeared unlikely to produce an agreement.direct talks· The president declared that he was now prepared to enter into direct talks with the rebels.bilateral talks (=involving two groups or countries)· Bilateral talks led to the resumption of diplomatic relations.round-table talks (=when everyone can discuss things in an equal way)· An election law, agreed during round-table talks, gave every voter the right to two votes.urgent talks· The prime minister called ministers together for urgent talks.crisis talks (=talks to stop a situation getting worse or more dangerous)· The unions will hold crisis talks with the company in a bid to save jobs.phrasesa round of talks (=a series of talks that is part of a longer process)· A third round of talks was held in May.the breakdown/collapse of talks· The collapse of the talks sent shock waves round the world.