| No. | Item | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | a little bird told me | I heard it from someone |
| 2. | a shouting match | argument with shouting |
| 3. | a war of words | argument using speech |
| 4. | a word to the wise | advice for those who understand |
| 5. | agree to disagree | accept different opinions |
| 6. | all talk and no action | speaks but doesn’t do |
| 7. | as I was saying | return to the main point |
| 8. | at a loss | unable to respond |
| 9. | bad-mouth someone | speak badly about someone |
| 10. | beat around the bush | avoid saying it directly |
| 11. | beg to differ | politely disagree |
| 12. | bite your tongue | stop yourself speaking |
| 13. | blow smoke | mislead with false talk |
| 14. | break the news | tell important information |
| 15. | butt heads | clash in opinions |
| 16. | by the way | introduce an aside |
| 17. | call a spade | speak plainly and directly |
| 18. | call it as | describe it honestly |
| 19. | change the subject | move to a new topic |
| 20. | choose your words | speak carefully |
| 21. | clam up | stop talking suddenly |
| 22. | clear the air | resolve tension by talking |
| 23. | come straight out | say it openly |
| 24. | cross words | argue briefly |
| 25. | cut to the chase | get to the point |
| 26. | double talk | deliberately ambiguous speech |
| 27. | drag through the mud | damage someone’s reputation |
| 28. | drop a hint | suggest indirectly |
| 29. | empty words | promises without sincerity |
| 30. | enough said | no more needs saying |
| 31. | get it straight | understand correctly |
| 32. | get the message | understand what is meant |
| 33. | get the wrong end | misunderstand what was said |
| 34. | get to the point | stop delaying the main idea |
| 35. | give it to | tell harshly |
| 36. | give someone a piece | scold angrily |
| 37. | go off on | digress from the topic |
| 38. | hash it out | argue until resolved |
| 39. | have a word with | talk to someone briefly |
| 40. | have it out | argue to settle it |
| 41. | have your say | express your opinion |
| 42. | hold your tongue | stay silent |
| 43. | hot air | empty talk |
| 44. | hurl insults | say insulting things |
| 45. | I get you | I understand what you mean |
| 46. | I hear you | I understand you |
| 47. | I’m with you | I agree and understand |
| 48. | if you know | hint at a meaning |
| 49. | in on the joke | aware it’s a joke |
| 50. | in so many | using different words |
| 51. | keep it to yourself | don’t tell others |
| 52. | keep mum | remain silent |
| 53. | lead someone on | mislead about intentions |
| 54. | let the cat out | reveal a secret accidentally |
| 55. | lip service | insincere support in words |
| 56. | lock horns | argue strongly |
| 57. | long story short | brief summary |
| 58. | loose lips sink | talking can cause trouble |
| 59. | lost in translation | meaning changes when translated |
| 60. | meet halfway | compromise in discussion |
| 61. | mince words | speak too carefully |
| 62. | needless to say | it is obvious |
| 63. | on that note | transition to a related point |
| 64. | parrot back | repeat without understanding |
| 65. | pull someone’s leg | tease by joking |
| 66. | pull the wool | deceive someone |
| 67. | put in a good word | recommend someone |
| 68. | put it in | say it differently |
| 69. | put words in my mouth | attribute words I didn’t say |
| 70. | ramble on | talk without focus |
| 71. | read between the lines | infer a hidden meaning |
| 72. | run on | talk for too long |
| 73. | run someone down | criticize someone unfairly |
| 74. | say no more | I understand; stop explaining |
| 75. | say your piece | state your view |
| 76. | set the record | correct misinformation |
| 77. | soften the blow | make bad news gentler |
| 78. | speak your mind | say what you think |
| 79. | speaking of | introduce a related topic |
| 80. | spell it out | explain in detail |
| 81. | spill the beans | reveal a secret |
| 82. | straighten it | fix a misunderstanding |
| 83. | sugarcoat it | make it sound nicer |
| 84. | take it the wrong way | misinterpret someone’s meaning |
| 85. | talk a blue | talk a lot |
| 86. | talk down to | speak condescendingly |
| 87. | talk past each other | fail to understand each other |
| 88. | talk someone’s | persuade by talking |
| 89. | talk up | promote by speaking well |
| 90. | tell it like | speak honestly and directly |
| 91. | the cat’s got | why aren’t you speaking |
| 92. | the word on the street | popular rumor or gossip |
| 93. | tongue-tied | unable to speak easily |
| 94. | watch your mouth | speak more politely |
| 95. | we’re on the same | we agree |
| 96. | word of mouth | information spread by people |
| 97. | words fail me | can’t express feelings |
| 98. | words of wisdom | wise advice |
| 99. | you can say that | I strongly agree |
| 100. | you know the drill | you know the routine |