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English Vocabulary In Use - Upper-Intermediate /

069. Talking and Communicating

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at cross purposes

to get the wrong end of the stick

to make head or tail (out) of somebody or something

to get a word in edgeways

to talk down

behind one's back

small talk

to talk shop

talking point

10-

talking to

11-

to get the ball rolling

12-

in a nutshell

13-

rubbish

14-

to talk sense

15-

to wrap up

16-

point

17-

to speak one's mind

at cross purposes

Cụm từ

/æt kɹˈɔs pˈɜːpəsᵻz/

Đóng

Đăng nhập

N/A

Idiom

Informal

used to describe a situation in which people or groups have conflicting goals or intentions

What is the origin of the idiom "at cross purposes" and when to use it?

The idiom "at cross purposes" originated from the literal idea of two or more people or groups having conflicting or opposing aims or intentions. The phrase emphasizes a lack of alignment or coordination between individuals or parties, resulting in misunderstandings or ineffective communication. It suggests that the involved parties are unintentionally working against each other, pursuing different goals or objectives that hinder cooperation or progress.

to [get|have] the wrong end of the stick

to get the wrong end of the stick

Cụm từ

/ɡɛt ɔːɹ hæv ðə ɹˈɔŋ ˈɛnd ʌvðə stˈɪk/

N/A

Idiom

Informal

to fail to understand or interpret or understand something correctly

What is the origin of the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have emerged in the late 19th century, likely in British English. The "stick" in this phrase may refer to a long pole or staff, and the "wrong end" suggests a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the situation, much like holding the wrong end of a physical stick would lead to an awkward or ineffective result. This expression is used when someone has misunderstood a situation, statement, or intention, often leading to confusion or an incorrect conclusion.

to [make] head or tail (out|) of {sb/sth}

to make head or tail (out) of somebody or something

Cụm từ

/mˌeɪk hˈɛd ɔːɹ tˈeɪl ˈaʊt ɔːɹ ʌv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

N/A

Idiom

Informal

to make an attempt to understand someone or something that is puzzling

What is the origin of the idiom "make head or tail of something" and when to use it?

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.

to get a word in edgeways

Cụm từ

/ɡɛt ɐ wˈɜːd ɪn ˈɛdʒweɪz/

N/A

to finally have a chance to state one's opinions about something after or in the middle of someone else's continuous speech

to talk down

Động từ

/tˈɔːk dˈaʊn/

(nói chuyện một cách coi thường)

nói kiểu khinh thường

to speak to someone in a way that suggests they are inferior or less intelligent than the speaker

Thông Tin Ngữ Pháp:

Trạng Thái Cụm Từ

inseparable

động từ của cụm từ

talk

phần từ của cụm từ

down

behind one's back

Cụm từ

/bɪhˌaɪnd wˈʌnz bˈæk/

N/A

Idiom

Informal

without one knowing or approving

What is the origin of the idiom "behind one's back" and when to use 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.

small talk

Danh từ

/smˈɔːl tˈɔːk/

(trò chuyện phiếm)

cuộc nói chuyện xã giao

Idiom

Informal

brief and polite conversation about random subjects, often in a social setting

What is the origin of the idiom "small talk" and when to use it?

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.

Thông Tin Ngữ Pháp:

Danh Từ Ghép

to talk shop

Cụm từ

/tˈɔːk ʃˈɑːp/

N/A

Idiom

to have work-related discussions outside of work, particularly when it is annoying or inappropriate

What is the origin of the idiom "talk shop" and when to use it?

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.

talking point

Danh từ

/tˈɔːkɪŋ pˈɔɪnt/

(chủ đề tranh luận)

điểm thảo luận

a topic of interest, especially one that supports a particular argument that invites discussion

talking to

Danh từ

/tˈɔːkɪŋ tuː/

N/A

a lengthy rebuke

to get the ball rolling

Cụm từ

/ɡɛt sˈɛt stˈɑːɹt ðə bˈɔːl ɹˈoʊlɪŋ/

N/A

to start to do an activity, often in a way that is encouraging to others

in a nutshell

Trạng từ

/ɪn ɐ nˈʌtʃɛl/

(nói ngắn gọn)

tóm lại

Idiom

used to summarize or describe something briefly

What is the origin of the idiom "in a nutshell" and when to use it?

The idiom "in a nutshell" originates from an ancient anecdote attributed to the Greek philosopher Pliny the Elder, who lived in the first century AD. According to the story, Pliny the Elder claimed that the entire Iliad by Homer could fit into a nutshell, implying that a complex or lengthy narrative could be summarized concisely. This anecdote later evolved into the expression we use today to mean providing a brief and condensed summary of something.

rubbish

Danh từ

(vớ vẩn)

nhảm nhí

words or ideas that are considered to be false or of no value

to talk sense

Cụm từ

/tˈɔːk sˈɛns/

N/A

Idiom

Informal

to speak in a clear and reasonable manner

What is the origin of the idiom "talk sense" and when to use it?

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.

to wrap up

Động từ

/ɹˈæp ˈʌp/

(hoàn tất)

kết thúc

to complete a meeting, task, agreement, etc.

Thông Tin Ngữ Pháp:

Vị ngữ chuyển tiếp

Trạng Thái Cụm Từ

separable

động từ của cụm từ

wrap

phần từ của cụm từ

point

Danh từ

ɔɪ

(nội dung quan trọng)

điểm chính

the most important thing that is said or done which highlights the purpose of something

to speak one's mind

Cụm từ

/spˈiːk wˈʌnz mˈaɪnd/

N/A

Idiom

Informal

to express one's opinions in an honest or fearless way

What is the origin of the idiom "speak one's mind" and when to use it?

The idiom "speak one's mind" dates back to the 16th century and refers to the act of expressing one's thoughts and opinions openly and honestly, even if they are controversial or unpopular. It is often used to convey a sense of courage and conviction, suggesting that the speaker is not afraid to say what they believe, even if it means causing offense or upsetting others.

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