speaking (redirected from -speaking)

(speaking) (quite) frankly and frankly speaking

a transitional phrase announcing that the speaker is going to talk in a more familiar and totally forthright manner. Tom: Speaking quite frankly, I'm not certain she's the one for the job. Mary: l agree. Bob: We ought to be looking at housing in a lower price bracket. Bill: Quite frankly, lagree. "Frankly speaking," said John, "I think you're out of your mind!"

on speaking terms (with someone)

on friendly terms with someone. (Often with the negative.) I'm not on speaking terms with Mary. We had a serious disagreement. We're not on speaking terms.

See also: term

speaking (quite) candidly

an expression introducing a frank or forthright statement. "speaking quite candidly, I find your behavior a bit offensive," stated Frank, obviously offended. Mary: Tell me what you really think about this skirt. Sally: speaking candidly, I think you should get your money back.

speaking for oneself

an expression indicating that one is expressing only one's own opinion. Speaking for myself, I am ready to cancel the contract. Sally is speaking for herself. She is not expressing our opinions.

See also: oneself

---

not be on speaking terms

to be refusing to talk to someone because you have had an argument and are still angry with them (often + with ) She's not on speaking terms with her ex-husband. Jeanette and her mother haven't been on speaking terms since the wedding.

See be speaking out of both sides of mouth

See also: term

be speaking/talking out of both sides of your mouth  (American)

to say different things about the same subject when you are with different people in order to always please the people you are with How can we trust any politicians when we know they're speaking out of both sides of their mouths?

See also: both, mouth, out, side

---

in a manner of speaking

this is one way to say it so to speak “We should go south.” “So that means I should turn left?” “In a manner of speaking, yes.” She was, in a manner of speaking, not at her best – in fact, she was exhausted and had the flu.

Usage notes: sometimes used to suggest that something unpleasant is being described in a more pleasant way

Related vocabulary: if you will

See also: manner

on speaking terms

friendly enough to talk We have heard from various people that the coach is barely on speaking terms with his best pitcher.

Usage notes: often used in the form not on speaking terms: The two nations have not been on speaking terms for a couple of decades.

See also: term

speaking as somebody

with the experience of this type of person What would you like to see happen, speaking as a someone who has lived in the area for a long time?

speaking of something (spoken)

related to the subject being discussed Casey is at a birthday party – speaking of birthdays, Abe's is Friday.

Usage notes: used to introduce a slightly different subject

strictly speaking

if I want to be completely accurate in what I am saying They're still married, strictly speaking, but they've been living apart for years.