loosen someone’s tongue: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘loosen someone's tongue’ mean?
The idiom "loosen someone's tongue" means to make someone more willing to speak or reveal information, often by creating a relaxed or friendly atmosphere. It implies a change in someone's willingness to communicate openly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn loose" means to release or set someone or something free, allowing them to act or move without constraint or control.
The idiom "read someone's lips" means to carefully watch someone's mouth movements in order to understand what they are saying, especially when it is difficult to hear or understand them.
The idiom "mouth the words" means to silently or mimically articulate words without actually saying them out loud. It commonly refers to situations where someone is pretending to speak or is unable to vocalize their thoughts.
The idiom "mind one's language" means to be cautious and careful with one's choice of words and to avoid using offensive or inappropriate language.
The idiom "melt in the mouth" means that something is very tender and delicious, often referring to food that is so good it feels like it's dissolving as soon as it touches the tongue.
The idiom *make strange* refers to the act of behaving in an unfriendly or unfamiliar way towards someone. It suggests a change in one's attitude or demeanor towards another person, often leading to a strained or awkward relationship.
The idiom "make someone's teeth itch" means to annoy or irritate someone greatly.
The idiom "make someone's jaw drop" means to surprise or shock someone to the extent that their mouth hangs open in astonishment.
The idiom "make room" means to create space or provide an opportunity for someone or something. It implies accommodating or allowing for the presence or inclusion of someone or something in a particular situation or setting.
The idiom "make oneself clear" means to speak or communicate in a way that is easily understood by others, without any confusion or ambiguity.
Unlocking Verbal Expression
The idiom "loose lips" is closely related to the phrase "loosen someone's tongue." When someone has loose lips, it means that they have a tendency to speak carelessly or reveal confidential information. This can happen naturally or as a result of someone's tongue being loosened through external influences, such as alcohol. The idiom serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of discretion and the potential consequences of speaking too freely.
In a similar vein, the idiom "turn loose" can also be associated with "loosen someone's tongue." When we turn loose, it means that we let go, release ourselves from restraints, and allow ourselves to speak more openly. In the context of the idiom, turning loose could refer to letting go of inhibitions or allowing oneself to be more candid in communication. This ties in with the idea that loosening someone's tongue involves removing barriers to open expression.
Lastly, we have the idiom "find one's tongue," which can be linked to the concept of loosening someone's tongue. "Finding one's tongue" means to regain the ability to speak after a period of being unable to do so, often due to nervousness or shock. This idiom can be seen as the opposite of "loosen someone's tongue," as it involves overcoming inhibitions and finding the confidence to speak up.
Overall, these related idioms shed light on the different aspects of communication and the factors that can affect our willingness to express ourselves. Whether it's through the looseness of one's tongue, the carelessness of loose lips, or the need to find one's tongue, these idioms reflect the complexities of human interaction and the power of language.
Example usage
1. After a few glasses of wine, she loosened her friend's tongue and he started sharing some embarrassing stories from their college days.
2. The detective used his charm and persuasive skills to loosen the tongue of the reluctant witness, finally extracting crucial information about the crime.
3. A few shots of tequila can quickly loosen someone's tongue, leading them to reveal more than they intended.
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