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talk out

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To fix a problem or argument by talking about it until you feel better or reach an agreement.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To resolve a problem, disagreement, or emotional issue through open discussion.

"Instead of staying angry, they sat down and talked things out over dinner."

Grammar: separable
2 C1 idiomatic formal

(British parliamentary English) To prevent a bill from being voted on by speaking until the session ends.

"The opposition managed to talk out the proposed legislation by debating until the session closed."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The emotional resolution sense is very common in therapeutic and relationship contexts. In British parliamentary English, 'talk out' specifically refers to filibustering a bill. The separable object ('talk it out', 'talk things out') is the most common form.

Commonly used with

problem differences argument feelings conflict issue

Forms

Base
talk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks out
he/she/it
Past simple
talked out
yesterday
Past participle
talked out
have + pp
-ing form
talking out
continuous

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Synonyms

resolve work through hash out discuss fully clear the air settle

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