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talk up

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To say very good things about something or someone to make other people think it's great.

Literal meaning: To bring something up (to a higher level) by talking about it.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To speak positively about something in order to make it seem more appealing, valuable, or important.

"The CEO talked up the company's new product during the investor briefing."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal

(Especially AusE/NZE) To speak loudly, boldly, or more confidently.

"Don't be shy — talk up so everyone in the room can hear you."

Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal

To persuade someone to pay or accept a higher price through negotiation or persuasion.

"The seller tried to talk the buyer up to a higher offer."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in business, political, and media contexts. Can carry a slightly sceptical connotation — suggesting the promotion may be self-interested or exaggerated. Also used in Australian/NZ English to mean speaking boldly or more loudly.

Commonly used with

economy product achievements investment benefits project

Forms

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

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