on talking terms: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on talking terms’ mean?
"On talking terms" means to be in a friendly or amicable relationship with someone, often after a period of conflict or disagreement.
Idiom Explorer
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.
"See eye to eye" is an idiom that means to agree or have the same opinion as someone else.
"Say the word" means expressing readiness or willingness to do or provide something as soon as one is asked or instructed to.
The idiom "say goodbye" means to part or separate from someone or something, often permanently. It implies a finality or ending to a relationship, situation, or opportunity.
The idiom "right on" is used to express agreement or approval with something that has been said or done. It is an informal phrase often used in casual conversations to indicate support or enthusiasm.
The idiom "play well with others" means to have good social skills and be able to cooperate and get along with other people in a group or team.
Pillow talk refers to intimate conversations that take place between romantic partners in bed, typically after sexual activity. These private discussions often involve sharing personal thoughts, feelings, and secrets, creating a sense of closeness and trust.
The idiom "part company" means to separate or go in different directions, often due to a disagreement or conflict. It can also refer to the end of a relationship or partnership.
The idiom "on good terms" means to have a positive or friendly relationship with someone or to be in a state of mutual agreement.
The idiom "one age with" means to be the same age as someone, usually used to describe a close friendship or relationship between people of the same age.
The Interpretation of "On Talking Terms"
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.
Another related idiom is "come to terms," which refers to the process of accepting or understanding a difficult or challenging situation. It suggests that the individual has mentally and emotionally processed the situation and has reached a state of acceptance or resolution. While "on talking terms" describes the ability to communicate, "come to terms" focuses on the emotional and mental aspect of dealing with a situation.
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.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on talking terms" can be used 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.
More "Relationships" idioms
