talk (oneself) out of (something)

talk (oneself) out of (something)

1. To fail to earn, receive, or achieve something because one says something foolish, troublesome, or discrediting. He had a really impressive résumé, but he talked himself out of the job during the interview. She talked herself out of the promotion when she started discussing her desire to try working in a different industry.

2. To convince oneself not to do, try, accept, receive, etc., something. I had a really good job opportunity in London, but I was so nervous about moving to a different country that I talked myself out of taking it. It's like she's determined to talk herself out of happiness.

See also: of, out, talk

talk someone out of something

to convince someone to give up or change something. They were trying to talk me out of my decision. Timmy tried to talk Mary out of her ice cream cone.

See also: of, out, talk

talk out of

see under talk into; also see out of turn, def. 2.

See also: of, out, talk