The origin of the idiom "go on about someone or something" is unclear but it likely comes from the phrase "to go on" which has been used for centuries to mean "to continue" or "keep speaking". This idiom was popularized in the mid-1900s and captured in songs, books and movies to describe someone who won't stop talking. It is typically used in an informal or conversational context to describe an emotionally negative experience of listening to excessive details about a topic that the speaker finds boring or uninteresting.

What is the origin of the idiom "go on about someone or something" and when to use it?

to [go] on (and on|) about {sb/sth}

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The idiom 'run off at the mouth' originated in the early 1900s and is used to describe someone who talks excessively and continuously without thinking. It suggests that the person speaks without restraint or control, like words are running out of their mouth uncontrollably. The phrase captures the irritation often felt by listeners towards those who seem unable to stop talking, going on and on without pause. The idiom is used informally and usually with a negative connotation to criticize someone for talking too much without purpose.

What is the origin of the idiom "run off at the mouth" and when to use it?

to [run] off at the mouth

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The phrase "talk one's ear off" likely emerged in the early 1900s from the irritation and frustration felt by listeners who are unable to get a word in due to someone speaking constantly. The idiom is used informally and often in a critical manner to describe an inconsiderate or self-absorbed speaker who fails to recognize how their relentless talking affects the listener.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk one's ear off" and when to use it?

to [talk] {one's} [ear] off

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The origin of the phrase "talk a blue streak" is uncertain, but it likely stems from the association of the color blue with intensity, speed, and vividness. The term emphasizes the rapid and continuous flow of speech, suggesting a level of enthusiasm or urgency. It is used to describe individuals who speak rapidly and energetically, often without pausing or hesitation. This idiom conveys the idea of someone talking animatedly, possibly overwhelming or captivating their listeners with their rapid-fire conversation style.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk a blue streak" and when to use it?

to [talk] a blue streak

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The idiom "love the sound of one's own voice" originates from the notion of someone being excessively fond of hearing themselves speak. It conveys the idea of a person who enjoys talking for the sake of talking, often without considering the interest or engagement of others in the conversation. It is typically used to describe individuals who tend to dominate discussions, monopolize speaking time, and lack awareness of the impact their words may have on listeners. Employing this idiom can serve as a gentle critique or a playful remark to highlight someone's self-indulgent verbosity.

What is the origin of the idiom "love the sound of one's own voice" and when to use it?

to [love|like|enjoy] the sound of {one's} own voice

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The origin of the phrase "big mouth" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the idea that a person with a physically larger mouth would be more prone to speaking loudly or indiscreetly. The term has been in use since the early 20th century and has become a common expression in English to describe someone who talks too much or shares information without discretion.

What is the origin of the idiom "big mouth" and when to use it?

big mouth

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The exact origin of the phrase "chew one's ear off" is unclear, but it likely derives from the imagery of someone talking so much and for so long that it feels as though they are gnawing or chewing on the listener's ear. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 20th century and has become a common expression in English to describe someone who talks excessively or monopolizes a conversation without allowing others to participate. It captures the idea of being subjected to an overwhelming amount of words, akin to the sensation of having one's ear chewed on incessantly.

What is the origin of the idiom "chew one's ear off" and when to use it?

to [chew] {one's} [ear] (off|)

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The origin of the phrase "bend one's ear" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the physical act of bending or leaning towards someone's ear to speak directly to them. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 19th century and has become a common expression in English to describe the act of talking to someone at length, often persistently or in a manner that demands their attention. The imagery of physically bending or leaning towards someone's ear emphasizes the intensity or insistence of the conversation, conveying the idea of being actively engaged in a discussion or being subjected to a lengthy monologue.

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

to [bend] {one's} ear

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The origin of the phrase "flap one's gums" is not definitively known, but it likely stems from the visual imagery of someone's gums moving rapidly as they talk excessively or without purpose. The phrase has been in use since at least the early 20th century and has become a common expression in English to describe the act of talking a lot without saying anything meaningful. The emphasis on the movement of the gums in the phrase emphasizes the lack of substance or relevance in the person's speech. It's worth noting that the phrase is colloquial and informal in nature.

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

to [flap] {one's} gums

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The origin of the phrase "talk the hind leg off a donkey" is not definitively known, but it likely emerged as a humorous and exaggerated way to describe someone's excessive talking. The phrase itself is colloquial and informal, and it has been in use for many years as a way to emphasize the talkativeness of an individual.

What is the origin of the idiom "talk the hind leg off a donkey" and when to use it?

to [talk] the hind [leg] off a donkey

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Explore English idioms that relate to being talkative, including "run off at the mouth" and "talk a blue streak".

English Idioms for "Talkative"