1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To discuss a topic at length without directly addressing the central point.
"The politician spent twenty minutes talking around the question without ever giving a direct answer."
inseparable
talk around
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To discuss the periphery of a topic without addressing the main point, or (British English) to persuade someone through conversation.
In plain English
To talk about everything related to a subject without ever getting to the real point, or to convince someone by talking to them.
What does "talk around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
(British English) To persuade someone to change their position through persistent discussion.
"She was against the idea at first, but her colleagues eventually talked her around."
separable
Usage tip
The evasion sense is common in both British and American English. The persuasion sense ('I'll talk him around') is predominantly British English; Americans would typically say 'talk around' or 'bring around' in this context. Context usually makes the meaning clear.
Words that pair with "talk around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
subject issue topic problem point matter
How to conjugate "talk around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks around
he/she/it
Past simple
talked around
yesterday
Past participle
talked around
have + pp
-ing form
talking around
continuous
Hear "talk around" in the wild
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