Small talk & greetings

spill the tea To share gossip or juicy details, especially about other people’s business or drama. break the ice To do or say something that relieves initial awkwardness and gets a conversation or event started. silence is golden Staying quiet is often the wisest or most valuable choice. give them an inch and they’ll take a mile If you make a small concession to some people, they will demand much more. bốc phét To talk big, tell tall tales — the Northern word; Southerners say nói dóc. nói dóc To talk big, tell tall tales — the Southern word; Northerners say bốc phét. mặc cả To bargain, haggle — the Northern word; Southerners say trả giá. trả giá To bargain, haggle — standard nationwide; the Northern word is mặc cả. clam up To become silent; to stop talking. drop a dime (US) To make a telephone call; to be an informant; (basketball) an assist. shoot the breeze To chat idly or casually, without any serious topic of conversation. circle back Discuss later. table the conversation Reconvene at a later time. touch base To meet up with a colleague to discuss progress (from baseball). touch base offline Meet and talk. good talk saves the food Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review. it's the little things Small actions or details can have a significant impact little things please little minds Trivial matters satisfy people with limited interests or intelligence other times other manners Circumstances change, so behavior and rules should adapt. speak as you find Say what you think is true, without hiding your opinions speak softly and carry a big stick Be gentle but have the power to act strongly if necessary talk is cheap It is easy to talk about doing something, but actual action is more difficult. big and small Everyone or everything, regardless of size or importance hide and seek a game where one person hides and others try to find them bits and pieces Small, scattered parts or remnants of something chalk and talk a teaching method using blackboard and lecture meet and greet Informally welcome and introduce people to each other kiss and tell Recount sexual exploits. Click and Clack A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review. short and sweet and to the point A fixed-order word pair (irreversible binomial); full definition pending editorial review. l in the chat To indicate someone has lost or been defeated backhanded compliment a compliment that is actually insulting big talk Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. breathe a word Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. chat up to talk to someone in a friendly and flirtatious way cheek by jowl Side by side. civil tongue Polite and respectful language coffee talk Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. common touch Ability to relate to ordinary people do the talking Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. funny stuff Amusing or entertaining things gentle sex Women, regarded as traditionally more compassionate and nurturing. get along to have a good relationship get the word out Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. gift of the gab The ability to speak fluently and persuasively give someone a hand Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. give someone a shout Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. give someone a speaking to Scold or reprimand someone go along to get along Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. hand to mouth Satisfying only your immediate needs because of lack of money. hang around to stay or linger in a place hang out spend time relaxing with someone have a laugh to enjoy oneself and have fun have a quiet word to speak privately with someone have a word to have a conversation or discussion have a word in someone's ear to speak privately with someone have a word with oneself To think or talk to oneself hear things Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. hold one's tongue To remain silent or refrain from speaking hold the phone Wait or pause for a moment hugs and kisses Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. human touch Personal and emotional consideration in interactions in touch having regular contact or communication keep a civil tongue in one's head To speak politely and avoid offensive language keep someone amused Entertain someone and hold their attention keep someone in the loop Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. kind regards A polite way to end a letter or email kindest regards A polite way to end a letter or message like talking to a wall Speaking to someone who is unresponsive or unwilling to listen. loosen someone's lips to make someone talk or reveal secrets loosen someone's tongue To help someone talk more freely or reveal secrets mince words Speak directly and honestly without avoiding unpleasant truths mouth the words to repeat words without meaning or feeling nodding acquaintance A slight familiarity or recognition of someone now you're talking Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. on talking terms in a relationship where people communicate with each other open one's mouth to speak or say something pillow talk Intimate conversation between people in a romantic relationship play on words Use words in a way that is clever or humorous play well with others be cooperative and friendly with others put words in someone's mouth Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. send a message Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. sex talk conversations about sex or sexual matters show someone a good time Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. sing small to speak or sing softly sling one's hook to leave quickly or go away small potatoes Something or someone unimportant or insignificant small talk Casual conversation about unimportant matters smile from ear to ear To smile very widely, showing great happiness soft touch Someone easily deceived or manipulated soften up make someone more receptive or less resistant speak in circles Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. speak someone's language Understand and share someone's thoughts or feelings speak to address or talk to someone speech is silver, silence is golden It is often better to remain silent than to speak sweat the small stuff Worry about small things. table talk casual conversation, especially at mealtimes talk a good game To speak confidently and convincingly about something talk a mile a minute Speak quickly and at length talk about Discuss or mention something talk back Respond impolitely or argumentatively to someone talk dirty Speak obscenely about sex. talk down speak condescendingly to someone talk in circles To discuss something without making progress or reaching a conclusion talk out of one's ear to talk nonsense or foolishly talk out of turn To speak at an inappropriate time or without being asked talk over someone's head to speak in a way that is too complicated for someone to understand talk someone under the table Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. talk the talk to speak confidently and persuasively about something talk through one's hat To talk nonsense or speak without knowledge talk to communicate or converse with someone talk to oneself to think aloud or have an internal conversation talk turkey Discuss something practically and seriously talk up To promote or praise something enthusiastically the joke is on someone Someone is the victim of a joke or trick walk the talk To act in accordance with one's words or principles warm regards Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review. white lie A small, harmless falsehood told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. word of mouth Information or recommendation spread by people talking to each other chậm mà chắc Close to the English saying: “Slowly but surely.”. chín người, mười ý The more people you include, the more opinions and debates you will have. chim sợ cành cong Close to the English saying: “once bitten, twice shy.”. dĩ hoà vi quý Making peace is treasured. Đồng thanh tương ứng, đồng khí tương cầu. Ngưu tầm ngưu, mã tầm mã Similar people often become friends. im lặng tức là đồng ý Silence gives consent. lời nói là bạc, im lặng là vàng Speech is silver, silence is gold. xin chào (verb) to cordially greet ôn, lương, cung, kiệm, nhượng Be cordial, kind, courteous, modest, and deferential. im lặng (verb) to be silent; to be quiet liên lạc (verb) to connect nói chuyện (verb) to talk, to speak hội thoại (verb) to talk, to converse xin lỗi (verb) to apologise tiếng nói (noun) language; speech chào mừng (verb) to welcome; warmly greet thả thính (verb) to drop thính into water as fishing bait xưng hô (verb) to address each other as lịch sự (adjective) civil and polite nhẹ nhàng (adjective) light; gentle; soft tiếp xúc (verb) to make contact (with something) truyền thông (noun) communication; media không có chi you are welcome; no problem lễ phép (noun) politeness; civility; courtesy giao tiếp (verb) to communicate tán gẫu (verb) to chat; to chatter bà tám (noun) a very talkative woman; chatterbox; gossip trò chuyện (verb) to talk (to, with); to converse (with) thỉnh cầu (verb) to entreat; to solicit; to request bình dân (adjective) like a commoner; informal êm dịu (adjective) sweet; gentle; soothing đón tiếp (verb) to receive (guests, etc.); to greet giao hữu (adjective) friendly giao thiệp (verb) to have social relations (with) ngọng nghịu (adjective) speaking indistinctly; babbling mềm mại (adjective) supple; pliant; soft (to touch) phát ngôn (verb) to speak, or deliver a speech điện đàm (verb) to speak to someone on the phone (often in a formal manner); to have a telephone conversation thương lượng (verb) to negotiate; to bargain; to hold talks hoà đồng (verb) to fit in (with); to be sociable hoạt ngôn (adjective) talkative truyền đạt (verb) to communicate; to impart an nhiên (adjective) peaceful and leisurely; at ease and accepting biên bản (noun) statement, minutes, proceedings, report bé bỏng (adjective) little and tender; small; young (generally speaking) vồn vã (adjective) cordial; hospitable lê la (verb) to crawl about quán xá (noun) small shop; small restaurant (generally speaking) nhã nhặn (adjective) well-mannered; courteous; civil; pleasant xã giao (noun) social relations; social interactions; social etiquette chuyện trò (verb) to talk; to converse; to chat dạ vâng (interjection) A sentence-initial interjection used to give confirmation for others in a respectful, formal way. hú hí (verb) to bill and coo; to kiss and talk quietly chào đón (verb) to welcome; to warmly greet xoa dịu (verb) to appease; to placate; to calm; to allay dỗ dành (verb) to soothe; to coax; to cajole (generally speaking) to nhỏ (verb) to coo (confidences etc.); to talk intimately (generally speaking) bé nhỏ (adjective) little; small; young (generally speaking) ngọt xớt (adjective) smooth-tongued; smooth-spoken; unctuous vồ vập (adjective) warm, with a warm welcome liến thoắng (adjective) talkative, chatty, talking a lot and quickly toạ đàm (verb) to hold a talk or discussion dân dã (adjective) informal and familiar, or even (in manner) evoking simplicity cổ động (verb) to cheer someone (encourage with cheers or shouts) chào mời (verb) to solicit (customer for one's custom); to invite; to offer giọng điệu (noun) tone, way of speaking biết thì thưa thốt, không biết thì dựa cột mà nghe if you know about something, do talk about it, if you don't, lean back on a pillar and listen khẩu ngữ (noun) spoken language, especially colloquialism bàn luận (verb) to discuss; to talk hội đàm (verb) to have a conference, meeting, or talks. bỡn cợt (verb) to banter; playfully tease buông lời (verb) to utter words; speak softly bút đàm (noun) a written dialogue; textual discussion cà khịa (verb) to quarrel; pick fights; incite conflict hai người đàn bà và một con vịt thành cái chợ women are typically loud, talkative, prone to nagging and gossiping chào hỏi (verb) to greet, to salute dàn xếp (verb) to arrange; to organize; to settle lắm chuyện (adjective) nosy; inquisitive xảo ngôn (noun) smooth talk; cunning speech; clever but deceptive talk (such as flattery) phiếm đàm (verb) to chat idly; to make small talk; to gossip phiếm luận (verb) to gossip; to chatter; to prattle dễ gần (adjective) congenial, sociable, easy to befriend giao kèo (noun) a deal, a contract, or an agreement, usually an informal, verbal one vỗ về (verb) to appease; to comfort; to console; to solace rì rầm (verb) to whisper; to murmur; to babble; to speak softly nhu mì (adjective) soft; gentle kể lể (verb) to tell stories in detail or at length in order to get attention or sympathy; to talk on and on bắt chuyện (verb) to initiate a conversation kính nhi viễn chi to respect yet keep one's distance; to respectfully distance oneself êm đềm (adjective) quiet; calm; peaceful; serene; tranquil xã hội hoá (noun) socialization xã hội hóa (noun) Traditional tone placement spelling of xã hội hoá. thu dung (verb) to receive, to welcome, to entertain nhỏ nhoi (adjective) small; little; petty giao lưu (verb) to exchange (ideas, discourse, etc.) trầm tĩnh (adjective) quiet; calm; serene; placid lời chào (noun) greeting; regards thuận hòa (adjective) gentle; amiable; harmonious trắng mịn (adjective) smooth; soft; silky tiếp đãi (verb) to receive and entertain a visitor đúng mực (adjective) polite; respectful nền nã (adjective) well-mannered or well-presented; elegant and/or mild in demeanor or appearance thỏ thẻ (adjective) soft and leisurely in a cute way nhỏ nhẹ (adjective) soft and light; easy to listen to đền đáp (verb) to pay back an act of kindness; to return the favor; to repay a kindness with gratitude tiếp khách (verb) to receive and welcome a visiting guest truyền tin (verb) to transmit the news etc. nói nhỏ (verb) to whisper to someone; to talk in a hushed voice lễ độ (noun) politeness; courtesy; manners dìu dặt (adjective) gentle and rhythmic; lilting dặt dìu (adverb) softly and slowly; gently and rhythmically; smoothly and consecutively xuề xoà (adjective) easygoing; simple and modest chơi xỏ (verb) to play a nasty or dirty trick on somebody; to play a prank on (somebody); to play a practical joke on (somebody); to play tricks tán hươu tán vượn to chat idly; to shoot the breeze khơi mào (verb) to start a conversation giao tế (verb) to communicate tâng bốc (verb) to flatter, to praise in order to be on good terms lách tách (adverb) sounds of tiny bursts or impacts: crackle or splatter lượng thứ (verb) to forgive with one's generosity, frequently used in the event of some humble excuse. tí tách (adjective) sound of something small, like dropping water, with swift and interrupted movement từ tốn (adjective) to be unhurried and gentle in one's speech or manners, thus showing modesty and courteousness được cái (adverb) Used to introduce a positive statement or clause: fortunately diễn thuyết (verb) to make a speech; to talk in front of an audience khẩu khí (noun) tone, way of speaking ngọt hậu (adjective) sweet and pleasant miếng trầu là đầu câu chuyện paan is a conversation starter nhũn nhặn (adjective) gentle; humble; pleasant mời lơi (verb) to make an ostensible invitation, to invite for the sake of politeness while expecting the person so invited to refuse nói hươu nói vượn to chat idly; to shoot the breeze mách nước (verb) to give somebody a hint or a tip-off đon đả (adjective) welcoming; cordial thẽ thọt (adjective) soft and gentle ăn nhẹ (verb) to have a light snack, refreshment, or small meal bé ơi “Hey baby” — calling a little one or a partner. cưng à “Hey sweetie” — soft Southern-flavored address. you good? Derived from AAVE, this phrase is a short hand of the usual "Are you okay?" greeting, and is generally used to express concern for an acquai talk to the hand Used to dismiss another person's argument by indicating that one is not prepared to hear or read anything further from that person. It is of funny business Sexual intercourse or other sexual activity. shoot the shit To chat casually; to gossip. mouth music Oral sex. poll parrot A talkative, gossiping woman. chin music Idle talk; chatter. give some skin To greet or congratulate someone by slapping their palm. pussy lips The labia. booty call A telephone call made to request a sexual encounter. hitching post A main shelter at a recreation place (e.g. a campground) where people go to socialize, eat, and purchase small items. talk shit To untruthfully speak of another in a belittling, deprecative, slighting manner, either in person or in absentia. give a toss To care. what's good What's up? a casual greeting barbecue stopper A topic of conversation which is controversial and of contemporary significance. Hence, a social gaffe. piss in someone's pocket To say flattering or fawning things to a person in the hope of gaining favour with them. good people A good person. say it, don't spray it One should be careful not to spit or spray saliva when speaking. you welcome Pronunciation spelling of you're welcome. chat shit To talk nonsense or to lie. what it is A casual greeting. ass call An unintentional telephone call made from a cell phone in a back pant pocket due to body movement or sitting down. butt call An unintentional telephone call made from a cell phone in a back pant pocket due to body movement or sitting down. that's what I'm talking about Used to express enthusiastic support for an object or person that has just been referenced or for an event that has just occurred. hush one's mouth To be quiet. garbley gook Alternative form of gobbledygook (“communication that is garbled; language messed up and hard to understand”). swap spit To kiss; to make out. butt cheek A buttock. slap bellies To have sexual intercourse. tin bath A laugh. give someone a bell To telephone someone. what you saying what's up, what's happening (a greeting) deaf aid A presenter's earpiece through which they receive instructions from the studio. little go Any minor or preliminary activity. big spoon The person whose front is touching the other person's back when spooning. little spoon The person whose back is touching the other person's front when spooning. what's the haps What's happening?; what's up? (a greeting) clack box A person's tongue or mouth. shake hands with the unemployed To urinate. letter of comment Correspondence, usually a letter, sent to a periodical commenting on either the contents of a previous issue or an earlier letter of comment arse cheeks Buttocks. oi oi A greeting. gimme some skin A request for the interlocutor to slap hands, fist bump, or perform a similar greeting ritual. smack talk Insulting speech, especially when intended to irritate or annoy someone. shit talk Derogatory speech regarding someone or something. what's cracking What’s going on with you? (as a greeting) lay some skin on To shake hands with. what are you smoking An ironic or sarcastic response to an absurd or nonsensical statement, suggestion or other action. squawk box An intercom or public address system. kitty kiss A cat's slow blink, interpreted as a sign of friendship. upper lip A sarcastic or jocular response to a person who has performed oral sex on someone. chick boy A womanizer. locker room talk A type of boastful, lurid, chauvinistic conversation that commonly takes place in all-male locker rooms, especially such conversation concer hit and giggle Any of various sports (tennis, cricket, golf, etc.) when played on a small scale or in a non-competitive way. on the blob Menstruating; on one's period. cheers, big ears Synonym of cheers (“thank you; or a drinking toast”). fourth point of contact The ass (buttocks or anus). tip the daddle To shake hands. sir sandwich The practice of beginning and ending a sentence with the address of sir. soft tack Synonym of soft tommy (“bread”). stand Sam To pay for refreshment or drink; to treat somebody to something. talk shit, get hit Speaking disrespectfully of someone or lying in belittling or derogating ways will result in physical violence. all serene All is well; a cry of acquiescence or approval. give it mouth Speak loudly; speak up. cutie patootie An adorable and attractive person. later, tater Au revoir, see you soon. common sewer A communal session of drinking alcohol. tabby party A social meeting of women for tea and gossip. real talk Serious communication, especially (interjection) to mark such communication in contrast to previous small talk. mouth job Oral sex. don't touch that dial Stay focused on a discussion or task; maintain the course of action. it's been a slice I have had an enjoyable time. give it large To verbally abuse or intimidate. say less Indicating enthusiastic agreement to a request. thanks for coming to my TED Talk Sarcastically or self-deprecatingly stated at the end of a wordy and often preachy monologue. clap cheeks To have sex or have sex with. type shit An expression of agreement or approval. say that Used to express enthusiasm, encouragement, or agreement with the speaker. later, skater Goodbye, see you later. bit bashing Any programming technique manipulating bits (binary digits). instead of whole words. get one's hole To have casual sex. see you later, baked potato Au revoir, see you soon. you're killing me, Smalls A general expression of annoyance or exasperation with someone or something. put someone on game To inform someone (about something); to make someone aware (of something). tongue technology The ability to rap quickly. dick appointment A casual sexual encounter, with at least one participant having a penis, that has been arranged ahead of time. clock it A congratulation of success. what's crappening A greeting. you said a mouthful You have said something correct or apposite. bum note A note that is played incorrectly. he-ing and she-ing Flirting or courting. what that mouth do Requests oral sex from the interlocutor. talk to the fist Synonym of talk to the hand. oi oi saveloy A greeting. bump one's gums To chatter or blather. sit down To assume a sitting position from a standing position. pick on To bully, harass, or make fun of a victim; to bother or harass. quieten down To become quieter. fob off To use lies, excuses, or deceit to satisfy (someone); to deceitfully appease someone by giving something that is spurious or inferior from w chill out To relax or take time out; to calm down; reduce or go easy on something. shake on it To agree by shaking hands; to close a deal. suck up To absorb (fluid). perk up To become more upright talk over To discuss; to converse about a matter or issue. talk around To persuade someone by spoken arguments. holla back A holler back; a reply. drop by To visit informally and spontaneously. tone down To relax; to make quieter or less obtrusive; to make milder. crack on To continue (at a task) briskly or promptly. call back Alternative form of callback. listen in To listen without participating. hush up To become quiet; to cease making sounds. cool off To decrease in temperature, activity, or temper. let in on To disclose or tell (a secret) to (someone); to share (privileged information) with (someone); to inform (someone) of (a secret). See Usage call in To communicate with a base etc, by telephone. answer back To reply impertinently to (someone); to talk back. word up I approve; I agree. bat around To have each of a team's batting line-up positions complete an at-bat in the same half-inning. clap on To temporarily add something to an existing part, especially to add an additional sail to take advantage of a fair wind. sound off To hold forth about something in an opinionated manner. bleep out to censor inappropriate spoken words by obscuring them with the sound of a bleep gee up To encourage. mess with To interfere with. mike up To fit a microphone and transmitter to (a person). Usually for television performers, or for police informers. mess around To fiddle idly. give it up To welcome onto a stage by cheering or applauding. tell on To inform on, to rat out; to tell a person in authority that someone else has done something wrong. shout out To publicly greet or acknowledge a person, group, or organization. bring out To elicit, evoke, or emphasize (a particular quality). ring around To call a number of people by phone, usually a circle of friends, to organise something. ring round To call a number of people by phone, usually a circle of friends, to organise something. ring back To return a phone call. sneak up To approach a person or animal without being seen or heard sound out To question and listen attentively in order to discover a person's opinion, intent, or preference, especially by using indirect conversation belt up To fasten one's seat belt. see in To show (someone) in: to introduce (someone) to the inside of a place. spit it out To overcome reluctance to say something particular or to speak in general. call forth To summon, to call to speak. get back to Return to (an activity) face off Alternative form of face-off. quiet down To become quieter. dial in To configure or set up (particularly a complex machine with many configuration options [especially knobs and dials). pal up To become friends. phone up To phone; to contact by telephone. tap out To produce (a message, rhythm, or other thing) by tapping. pad down To spend the night somewhere. hush down To become quiet; to cease making sounds. slip in To include (e.g. a certain word or phrase) into a sentence discreetly pluck up To remove or acquire by plucking from, for example, the ground; to pick up. squeeze up To move closer together, in order to make more space for someone else. smooth out To make smooth. squeak out To achieve something by a small margin. suck out An instance of winning a hand by sucking out. shine up To cause to be shiny or more shiny. stop by Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see stop, by. joke around (procrastinate, fool around, behave immaturely): bowdlerization of fuck around smooth over To make (a rough surface) smooth dial it in To set up in a perfect or complete way. talk out To resolve (a problem) by talking about it. pitch up To arrive; to turn up. slack off To be deliberately unproductive in one's work or study. sneck up Be silent; shut up. spell it out To provide a simple and understandable explanation. talk into To convince (someone) by talking and suggesting. talk down to To speak to another person in a demeaning or patronizing way. talk out of To talk to someone in order to dissuade them from doing something. dial up To telephone, to call on the telephone. dial into Alternative form of dial in to. talk through To tell (someone) step by step how to do something. call down To lower (a price, value) by official proclamation. speak of To bespeak; show; indicate; foretell; suggest; speak to. pitch on To throw (something) onto (something). inform on To tell on someone; to act as an informant against. push past To rudely force one's way in front of another. rap at To talk to; to communicate with; to tell of important things. talk at To speak with (someone) without truly listening to their response or interacting meaningfully. swag it up Alternative form of swag it out. gob off Synonym of shoot one's mouth off. send in To give (one's name), present (one's card) when making a social call. hype up To talk up; to promote extravagantly. revert back To reply, respond. call round To pay a short visit. clap back To make a witty or sarcastic retort. laugh with Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see laugh, with. laugh away To dismiss (something) as unimportant. smack around To beat up or handle roughly. shake together To get along well; to make friends. strike in To enter suddenly or with force. snitch up To come forward and snitch on someone. chime up To speak suddenly; to make an unexpected contribution to a conversation. simper out To speak with a simper. chop it up Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see chop up. pal around To spend time with someone as a friend. swing over Synonym of swing by (“pay a brief informal visit”). ask back To invite an interviewee to a further interview. scoop in To entice, trick or manipulate (someone) into joining up with a group or activity. sparkle up To zhoosh (something); to make (something) more pretty and lively. start back on To resume talking about a topic, most often in an argument, criticism or interrogation; to resume nagging or complaining about a topic. sling out To speak (some words, or a message); to write out and spread (something). lark around To joke around and be silly or frivolous; to be silly to make people laugh. clap together To slap something together; to create or make (something) hastily and haphazardly. plead up To plead guilty, especially to elevated charges in a plea bargain, such as to avoid a trial or to avoid immigration proceedings. jaw down To condescend to (someone) loquaciously; to speak to someone in a forceful, insulting, bossy or aggressive way; to wear down by talking. speak down to Synonym of talk down to. bail up To apply a bail to (a cow); to trap or corner. swag up To swagger; to show confidence. cool out To become cool; to chill. get up off To stop harassing, insulting, obsessing over or spreading gossip about (someone). bell up To make a phone call. crack off To shoot a gun. joke up To make jokes aimed upward in social class or level of authority. joke it up To be funny, make jokes and carry on. pop down To place on a surface. get someone at it To have someone on, make fun of someone. lolly up To inform on. circle up Synonym of touch base. hug it out To resolve a conflict by hugging; to mark forgiveness by hugging. holler back To return a phone call or message. chat away To keep talking in a friendly and informal way to each other. không có gì You’re welcome. / No problem. gặp bạn bè to meet up with friends shy bairns get nowt If you're too shy, or don't ask, you will not get what you want. you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours If you do me a favor then I will do you a favor; quid pro quo. any press is good press Being mentioned in the media, even in the context of a scandal or controversy, is beneficial to the subject because it brings publicity. mocking is catching Be careful of making fun of others, lest others make fun of you. smooth as a baby's bottom Extremely smooth. every little helps Even small contributions towards a goal help bring the goal nearer. a nod is as good as a wink The hint, suggestion etc. can be understood without further explanation. you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar It is easier to persuade others with polite requests and a positive attitude rather than with rude demands and negativity. underpromise and overdeliver Improve business interactions and relationships with customers by setting modest expectations and then exceeding those expectations by deliv don't sweat the small stuff One should not give in to petty problems; one should not worry about insignificant matters. big things come in small packages Things should not be underestimated because of their small size. speech is silver, but silence is golden Alternative form of speech is silver, silence is golden. speech is silver, silence is gold Alternative form of speech is silver, silence is golden. the tongue wounds more than a lance Insults and offensive speech hurt more than physical injuries. ill news spreads apace Bad news circulates quickly because people tend to gossip. there's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip Alternative form of there's many a slip twixt cup and lip. good things come in small packages Small gestures of help and kindness matter more than costly and exorbitant bestowals. slick as a whistle Smooth and skillful; performed with ease and grace. silence is consent A lack of response to an action is a tacit approval of that action. a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved Grief can be alleviated by discussing it with someone. all publicity is good publicity Synonym of any press is good press. silence is oppression Synonym of silence is violence (“silence in certain settings can be perceived or interpreted as unfriendly or hostile.”). everything happens for a reason Used for consolation, possibly self-consolation, after someone has experienced something unfavorable or unpleasant, and hence an encourageme a trouble shared is a trouble halved Talking about one's difficulties can alleviate one's worry and stress. kissing goes by favor People often practice favoritism when awarding benefits to others. words cut deep Insults and offensive speech hurt more than physical injuries, and are not easily forgotten. it's not what you say but how you say it The tone and delivery of communication are at least as important as the message itself. sex sells The use of sex appeal is a successful marketing tactic. attitude reflects leadership Lower subordinates in an organization practice the behavior that is tolerated and encouraged by their superiors. Walk the talk. (Manser, 2007) To act in accordance with what one says or claims blind cheeks The breech. Buss blind cheeks; kiss mine a-se. to bluster To talk big, to hector or bully. cap acquaintance Persons slightly acquainted, or only so far as mutually to salute with the hat on meeting. A woman who endeavours to attract the notice of a cater cousins Good friends. He and I are not cater cousins, i.e. we are not even cousins in the fourth degree, or four times removed; that is, we have not chatter broth Tea. See CAT LAP and SCANDAL BROTH. civil reception A house of civil reception; a bawdy-house, or nanny-house. See NANNY-HOUSE. to cut bene To speak gently. To cut bene whiddes; to give good words. To cut queer whiddes; to give foul language. To cut a bosh, or a flash; to make a to dress To beat. I'll dress his hide neatly; I'll beat him soundly. firing a gun Introducing a story by head and shoulders. A man wanting to tell a particular story, said to the company, Hark! did you not hear a gun?--but hertfordshire kindness Drinking twice to the same person. little breeches A familiar appellation used to a little boy. to palaver To flatter: originally an African word for a treaty, talk, or conference. to patter To talk. To patter flash; to speak flash, or the language used by thieves. How the blowen lushes jackey, and patters flash; how the wench dr prittle prattle Insignificant talk: generally applied to women and children. to quibble To make subtle distinctions; also to play upon words. round dealing Plain, honest dealing. round mouth The fundament. Brother round mouth, speaks; he has let a fart. to simper To smile: to simper like a firmity kettle. to snoach To speak through the nose, to snuffle. to snuffle To speak through the nose. spanish coin Fair words and compliments. sparking blows Blows given by cocks before they close, or, as the term is, mouth it: used figuratively for words previous to a quarrel. spouting club A meeting of apprentices and mechanics to rehearse different characters in plays: thus forming recruits for the strolling companies. stubble it Hold your tongue. CANT. to tip To give or lend. Tip me your daddle; give me your hand. Tip me a hog; give me a shilling. To tip the lion; to flatten a man's nose with the to tweak To pull: to tweak any one's nose. bad words Words not always bad of themselves but unpleasant to "ears polite," from their vulgar associations. brown talk Conversation of an exceedingly proper character, Quakerish. Compare BLUE. crop up To turn up in the course of conversation. "It CROPPED UP while we were speaking." hob and nob To act in concert with another; to lay "heads together;" to touch glasses in drinking; to fraternize in a convivial meeting or merry-making. hop o’ my thumb An undersized person. From the story of that name. Portion of a set of phrases established for the benefit of the small, in which Tomtit, Li shut up! Be quiet, don’t make a noise; to stop short, to cease in a summary manner, to silence effectually. The following is from a literary paper:—" squeak on a person To inform against, to peach. suck up "to SUCK UP to a person," to insinuate oneself into his good graces. talk shop To intrude oneself or one’s private business too freely into conversation. Any one who does this is said to be shoppy. tell on To tell about, to talk of, to inform against. (This is formed by a simple misuse of the preposition.)