speaking

not be on speaking terms

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

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, side, talk

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in a manner of speaking

this is one way to say it. “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

if you will

in other words

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.Since I've changed the def., I can't see that the etym. makes any sense to include; shd go at "terms"; am combining this w/existing entry there.--SL, 1/03

Etymology: from the literal meaning of speaking terms (= a relationship in which people will talk to each other)

See also: term

speaking as someone

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

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.