talk to


Also, give a talking to. Scold, reprimand, as in The teacher said he'd have to talk to Jeff after school, or Dad gave us both a good talking to. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s] For talk to like a Dutch uncle, see Dutch uncle.

Words Nearby talk to

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use talk to in a sentence

  • "You must talk to-morrow with John Silence," I said gently, leading her towards her own tent.

    Three More John Silence Stories | Algernon Blackwood
  • There would be talk to-morrow; there were whispers even now.

    Riders of the Silences | John Frederick
  • We can talk to-morrow—I mean to-day, of course: I forgot 'twas next-door to daylight now.

    Cap'n Eri | Joseph Crosby Lincoln
  • Let us talk to-night of the things we have to be thankful for.

  • Yes; I dont feel very strong on the talk to-day, answered Bob truthfully.

    Nothing But the Truth | Frederic S. Isham