talk turkey: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘talk turkey’ mean?
The idiom "talk turkey" means to discuss something seriously and honestly, often involving negotiations or business matters.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a way to emphasize honesty in a statement, suggesting that the speaker is about to share their true thoughts or feelings on a matter. It signifies a candid and sincere expression.
The idiom "tell the truth" means to be honest and not lie or deceive. It is often used in the context of revealing or sharing accurate information or facts without any distortion.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The idiom "talk up" means to promote or highlight something in a positive way through enthusiastic or persuasive speech.
Talk up is a phrasal verb commonly used in American English to speak positively about someone or something in order to promote, support, or increase their reputation or visibility. It has various meanings and uses in everyday conversations, as well as in formal and informal writing.
The idiom "talk to" means to communicate with someone about a particular issue, usually in order to try and resolve a problem or reach an agreement. It implies an open and direct conversation where both parties express their thoughts and feelings.
The idiomatic expression "talk through one's hat" means to say something without knowledge or authority, often resulting in falsehoods or nonsense.
The idiom "talk through one's hat" is commonly used in the English language to describe someone who is speaking without knowing the facts or speaking in a foolish or uninformed manner. It implies that the person is making up or exaggerating what they are saying.
The idiom "talk the talk" means to speak in a way that conveys knowledge or confidence about a particular subject, but without necessarily taking any action or having the actual skills or experience to back it up.
The idiom "talk the talk" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used in informal conversations and is known to have originated in the United States.
The idiom "talk someone out of something" means to persuade or convince someone not to do or pursue something that they were planning or considering.
The idiom "talk someone into something" means to persuade or convince someone to do something that they may not initially want to do.
Turkey Talk
Talk turkey is an American idiom that has been used for over a century. It originated from a negotiation session between Native American tribes and European settlers, where the Native American Chief suggested that they "talk turkey" to focus on the real issues at hand. This phrase caught the attention of the settlers, and it has since become a widely recognized and used expression.
Talk turkey is a metaphor that conjures up the image of two parties engaging in a practical and straightforward conversation, much like the process of preparing a turkey for a meal. It implies a level of seriousness and sincerity, where both parties are expected to be honest and direct without beating around the bush. This idiom is commonly associated with business dealings and negotiations, but it can be used in various contexts where there is a need for direct and no-nonsense communication. It emphasizes the importance of being clear and concise.
The popularity and wide usage of talk turkey can be attributed to its conciseness and memorability. In a society where time is often seen as a valuable resource, this idiom provides a way to cut through unnecessary chatter and get straight to the heart of the matter. It captures the essence of efficiency and practicality in communication.
One related idiom is "jive turkey." This term originated in African-American Vernacular English and was popularized in the 1970s. It is used to describe someone who is insincere or dishonest in their speech and actions. While talk turkey emphasizes the importance of honesty and directness, jive turkey conveys the opposite. It serves as a contrast to talk turkey, highlighting the negative consequences of being deceitful or insincere in communication.
Another related idiom is "talk to." When someone tells you to "talk to" a person, they are instructing you to have a serious conversation or confrontation with them. This idiom implies that there is an issue that needs to be addressed directly, without any avoidance or hesitation. While talk turkey emphasizes the need for honest and direct communication, talk to emphasizes the necessity of addressing important matters head-on.
The last related idiom is "talk the talk." This phrase is often used to describe someone who speaks confidently or convincingly about a particular topic or subject but fails to take meaningful action or follow through on their words. While talk turkey emphasizes the importance of backing up words with action, talk the talk serves as a cautionary reminder that talk alone is not enough. It encourages individuals to take tangible steps and demonstrate their commitment to their words.
Talk turkey is a widely recognized American idiom that emphasizes the importance of direct and no-nonsense communication. Its origins can be traced back to a negotiation session between Native American tribes and European settlers, where the need to "talk turkey" was recognized. This idiom has endured over time and is often used in business dealings, political discussions, and personal conversations. It conveys the need for honesty, practicality, and efficiency in communication. Additionally, the related idioms "jive turkey," "talk to," and "talk the talk" provide contrasting perspectives on deceitful communication, direct confrontation, and the necessity of backing up words with action. By understanding and applying these idiomatic expressions, English speakers can enhance their communication skills and foster more productive and meaningful exchanges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom talk turkey can be used in a sentence:
- He wanted to make sure they didn't waste any time, so he suggested they talk turkey and discuss the important details right away.
- When the negotiations reached a standstill, they decided to talk turkey and find a resolution that would satisfy both parties.
- Instead of beating around the bush, she decided to talk turkey and candidly express her concerns about the project.
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