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talk around

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To talk about everything related to a subject without ever getting to the real point, or to convince someone by talking to them.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

subject issue topic problem point matter

Forms

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

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Synonyms

avoid the subject skirt around sidestep evade beat around the bush persuade

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