on speaking terms

Idioms  

1. Friendly enough to exchange superficial remarks, as in We're on speaking terms with the new neighbors .

2. Ready and willing to communicate, not alienated or estranged. For example, We are on speaking terms again after the quarrel . Both senses of this idiom commonly occur in the negative, as in Brett and his brother haven't been on speaking terms for years . The idiom was first recorded in 1786.

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Example Sentences

The report, citing unidentified sources, said the two had not been on speaking terms for "several weeks", with the Clippers believing Paul had become "disruptive."

From Barron's

“He lives with his mom, and they aren’t really on speaking terms right now,” Michael said.

From Literature

Unlike Oasis, the members are not currently on speaking terms, and have toured without original bassist Peter Hook since 2011.

From BBC

A year later, during a 2009 appearance on music show “106 & Park,” Eminem confirmed he was not on speaking terms with his mother but said he had gained a “better understanding of what she was going through” over the years.

From Los Angeles Times

"We're still on speaking terms - not the best of friends. It's still quite tough watching it back for the both of us."

From BBC