1 [mass noun] communication by spoken words; conversation or discussion:there was a slight but noticeable lull in the talk
[count noun] a period of conversation or discussion, especially a relatively serious one:my mother had a talk with Louis
rumour, gossip, or speculation:there is talk of an armistice
empty promises or boasting:he’s all talk
(the talk of) a current subject of widespread gossip or speculation in (a particular place):within days I was the talk of the town
2 (talks) formal discussions or negotiations over a period:peace talks
3an informal address or lecture:a thirty-minute illustrated talka talk on a day in the life of an actor
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Universal
1speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings; converse or communicate by spoken words:the two men talkedwe’d sit and talk about jazzit was no use talking to Anthony [with object]:you’re talking rubbish
have the power of speech:he can talk as well as you or I can
discuss personal or intimate feelings:we need to talk, Maggie
[with object and adverbial] persuade or cause (someone) to do something by talking:don’t try to talk me into acting as a go-between
[with object] (be talking) informal used to emphasize the seriousness, importance, or extent of the thing one is discussing:we’re talking big money
reveal secret or confidential information:dead men can’t talk
gossip:you’ll have the whole school talking
2have formal dealings or discussions; negotiate:they won’t talk to the regime that killed their families
3 [with object] use (a particular language) in speech:we were talking German
you can't (or can) talk (USyou shouldn't or should talk)
informal used to convey that a criticism made applies equally well to the person who has made it:‘He’d chase anything in a skirt!’ ‘You can’t talk!’
don't talk to me about ——
informal said in protest when someone introduces a subject of which the speaker has had bitter personal experience:don’t talk to me about credit cards—I just got the bill for my Christmas excesses today!
know what one is talking about
be expert or authoritative on a particular subject:I know what I’m talking about—I’ve built up three businesses from scratch
talk through one's hat (or Britisharse or backside or USass)
informal talk foolishly, wildly, or ignorantly:come on, you’re talking through your hat on that
talk the talk
informal speak fluently or convincingly about something or in a way intended to please or impress others:we may not look like true rock jocks yet, but we talk the talk
address (someone) in a hectoring or self-important way without listening to their replies:he never talked at you
talk back
reply defiantly or insolently:all children talk back and act up from time to timehe was always talking back to Dad about chores
talk down to
speak patronizingly or condescendingly to:there’s an art to informing people without talking down or pandering to them
talk something out
British (in Parliament) block the course of a bill by prolonging discussion to the time of adjournment.
talk someone out of
persuade someone not to do (something unwise).
talk someone round (or USaround)
bring someone to a particular point of view by talking:you could never talk him round, he was very decided
talk someone through
enable someone to perform (a task) by giving them continuous instruction:the two presenters talk you through hanging different types of paper
talk something over (or through)
discuss something thoroughly:Collins wanted to talk over our arrangements for doing the workhe needed to spend time talking through his feelings
talk to
reprimand or scold (someone):someone will have to talk to Lily
talk someone/thing up (or down)
discuss someone or something in a way that makes them seem more (or less) interesting or attractive:he is talking up the company to stock analystshe has become feted by the fashionable and been talked up generally
