PhrasesHub

talk turkey

    Definitions

      • to speak frankly and directly
        To have a serious and honest conversation, often about a difficult or important topic

      • to discuss business matters
        To have a conversation about practical or important business issues

    Examples of talk turkey

    • During the job interview, the hiring manager finally asked the candidate to "talk turkey" about their qualifications and experience.

      In this context, "talk turkey" means to be completely honest and forthright, especially about important matters. The phrase originated from the tradition of hunters openly discussing their hunting techniques, which they refer to as "talking turkey." It implies that during the interview, the candidate was asked to reveal all the necessary information about their skills and expertise relevant to the job.

    • After months of negotiations, the business partners agreed to "talk turkey" and finalize the deal.

      Here, "talk turkey" is used to indicate that the parties involved are now ready to get down to serious discussions and conclude the agreement. This idiom suggests that previously, the negotiations might have been vague or unproductive, but now the parties are approaching the conversation in a straightforward and straightforward manner to obtain a successful ending.

    • The coach told the team to "talk turkey" before the championship game, emphasizing the importance of being candid and focused on winning.

      In this context, "talk turkey" is used to underline the need for honest and concerted efforts, both on and off the field, that would lead to victory. The phrase implies that the coach's request for transparency was made with an underlying sense of urgency, perhaps in light of the high stakes and tension associated with the championship game.

    • During a heated argument, one of the participants suddenly said, "let's talk turkey" and admitted the truth they had been avoiding for a long time.

      In this incident, "talk turkey" is employed to signify that the person spoke their mind and disclosed the hidden fact that was formerly kept in secrecy. The expression highlights the sincerity and directness of the statement made, implying that the person felt a sense of release once they declared the truth. It could also indicate that the revelation might have been uncomfortable but essential for further progress or resolution of the disagreement.

    • During the job interview, the employer asked the candidate to talk turkey about their previous work experience.

      This idiom means for the candidate to be honest and straightforward about their work history, just as how one would be candid about eating turkey during Thanksgiving dinner.

    • The sales representative told the customer, "Let's talk turkey about the price. What's your budget?"

      This idiom is used to request candid discussion about financial matters, as the customer would be open about their preferred budget limits, similar to how someone would be straightforward about their budgetary limits when buying a turkey for dinner during Thanksgiving.

    • The lawyer advised his client to talk turkey with the judge, as the courtroom proceedings would benefit from honesty and clarity.

      This idiom is used to suggest that being honest and specific in a legal context would be beneficial, as the client would be upfront and transparent about the case, much like how someone would be candid about their ordering preferences for a turkey dinner during Thanksgiving.

    • The parents requested their children to talk turkey about their academic performance, as it was time for parent-teacher conferences.

      This idiom implies that the children should be truthful and forthcoming about their academic accomplishments or deficiencies, in the same vein as how someone would be frank about their preferred turkey preparation methods during Thanksgiving dinner. Overall, the usage of "talk turkey" idiom means to engage in an open and straightforward discussion, much like how one would be candid about their preferences for a turkey dinner during Thanksgiving.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "talk turkey" is used to describe having a straightforward and honest conversation, often about important or difficult topics. It can also refer to discussing practical business matters. In both cases, the intention is to communicate directly and openly.

    Origin of "talk turkey"

    The origin of the idiom "talk turkey" dates back to the 19th century in the United States. It is believed to have originated from a practice where Native American and European settlers would sit down to negotiate and discuss trade deals. During these discussions, it was common for the settlers to speak openly and directly about their business matters, including the trade of wild turkeys. This straightforward and practical approach to negotiations led to the expression "talking turkey" to describe having serious and honest conversations, particularly in business contexts.

    Over time, the idiom evolved to encompass any kind of frank and direct conversation, extending beyond business dealings to include personal discussions as well. Today, "talk turkey" is widely used to emphasize the importance of speaking honestly and openly about important matters.