069. Talking and Communicating

The idiom "make head or tail of something" likely originated from the idea of trying to decipher or understand a complex situation or information. In this expression, "head" and "tail" symbolize the two ends of something, and trying to make sense of it implies the effort to grasp the entirety of a situation. This expression is used when someone is struggling to comprehend or interpret a confusing or unclear situation, piece of information, or problem. It implies a sense of confusion or frustration in trying to understand the matter at hand. It suggests that the situation is so puzzling that one cannot even determine where to start in understanding it.

The origin of the idiom "behind one's back" is not attributed to a specific historical event or source but rather emerges from the metaphorical association of a person's back with their unawareness or lack of visibility. The phrase draws upon the idea that when someone's back is turned or facing away, they cannot see what is happening behind them. It is commonly used when discussing interpersonal relationships, workplace dynamics, or social interactions.

The idiom "small talk" refers to casual and light conversation, typically about unimportant or trivial topics. It originates from the idea of engaging in chit-chat or informal discussions that do not delve into significant or substantial matters. Small talk serves as a way to establish rapport, break the ice, or maintain social interaction without delving into deeper, more serious subjects.

The origin of the idiom "talk shop" is unclear, but it likely dates back to at least the 19th century. The word "shop" here refers to a workplace or profession, and the phrase "talk shop" means to discuss work-related topics. It is typically used to describe a conversation that is focused on work-related topics, often between colleagues or people in the same profession.

The origin of the idiom "talk sense" is rooted in the concept of rational and logical communication. It implies the idea that someone is not speaking sensibly or logically and encourages them to do so. The term "sense" here refers to a rational and logical approach to discussing or explaining something. This expression is used to request or advise someone to communicate in a more logical, coherent, or reasonable manner. It typically arises in situations where someone is perceived to be speaking irrationally, making baseless claims, or presenting ideas that lack logical foundation.