The Village Idiom

on talking terms

"On talking terms" means to be in a friendly or amicable relationship with someone, often after a period of conflict or disagreement.

People & relationships · Filed under O

In a sentence

  • After their big fight, Mary and John were not on talking terms for weeks.
  • Despite their differences, they managed to stay on talking terms throughout the negotiation process.
  • It took some time, but eventually, they were able to reconcile and get back on talking terms.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "on good terms" is a related phrase that is often used to describe a situation where two or more people have a positive or friendly relationship. It implies that there is mutual respect and a level of understanding between the parties involved. While "on talking terms" suggests that communication is possible even if the relationship is not particularly close or friendly, "on good terms" indicates a more positive dynamic.

In contrast to "on good terms," the idiom "get along" is used to describe relationships where there is a general sense of harmony and compatibility. It implies that the individuals involved have a good rapport and are able to interact without any major issues or conflicts. While "on talking terms" focuses on the ability to communicate, "get along" places emphasis on the overall harmony and ease of the relationship.

The final related idiom, "talk to," is a more general phrase that simply means engaging in conversation with someone. Unlike "on talking terms," "talk to" does not imply any specific relationship or level of familiarity. It can be used in any context where communication is happening, whether it is a casual conversation or a more formal discussion.

The idiom "on talking terms" is commonly used to describe relationships where there is a level of communication and familiarity, even if the relationship is not particularly close or friendly. It can be related to other idioms such as "on good terms," which implies a more positive relationship, "get along," which suggests harmony and compatibility, "come to terms," which refers to accepting or understanding a difficult situation, and "talk to," which simply means engaging in conversation with someone.

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