Speech Idioms

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shoot the breeze

Meaning: spend time chatting, useless talking or chit-chat

Example: They have spent the whole afternoon just shooting the breeze in the office. Read more ➺


big mouth

Meaning: someone who talks too much


put your foot in it

Meaning: say something (by mistake) that upsets, humiliates, or embarrasses someone

Example: Carla put her foot right in it when she congratulated her neighbour on being pregnant. It turns out she's not expecting but had just put on weight. Read more ➺


straight shooter

Meaning: someone who speaks the truth

Example: I really like Ken. He's a straight shooter, that's for sure. Read more ➺


Dutch uncle

Meaning: criticize, scold or lecture someone

Example: I thought he would approve of my choices, but he ranted on like a Dutch uncle for a whole hour. Read more ➺


get a life

Meaning: to stop wasting a lot of time in useless or boring or trivial works

Example: You are working over 100 hours a week, dude, get a life! Read more ➺


white lie

Meaning: a harmless lie

Example: Telling your friend that you like their new haircut, when you really don't, is an example of a white lie. Read more ➺


pep talk

Meaning: a motivational speech

Example: Last night, I met Sara for a pep talk because I had my interview the very next day. Read more ➺


mark my words

Meaning: used to let someone know to pay attention to what you are saying because it is very important especially when you are certain something would happen in future

Example: Mark my words, she won't regret taking me up on my offer. Read more ➺


toot one’s own horn

Meaning: speak boastfully about oneself

Example: My father told me never to toot my own horn. Read more ➺


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