Idioms CCQs

Do you usually mutter when you are happy or annoyed?

Talk to a brick wall – speaking to someone who doesn’t want to listen. Does your talking make any difference?

Can this make people upset or uncomfortable?

Spit it out! – say what you are reluctant to say. Does the speaker want them to speak now or later?

Is (Spit it out) a formal or informal expression?

Talk down to (someone) – speak as if you are superior. Are you speaking to someone as an equal?

Does the other person feel respected if you talk them down?

Talk shop – talk about work outside of work. Is this often interesting to people not in your job?

Mutter (under your breath) – quietly so others can’t hear clearly. Can other people hear you clearly?

Talk some sense into (someone) – persuade them to behave more sensibly. Is the person behaving reasonably or unreasonably?

Speak out of turn – speaking in a tactless way. Is it the right time for you to speak?