To be on speaking terms

To be on speaking terms
Speaking Speak"ing, a. 1. Uttering speech; used for conveying speech; as, man is a speaking animal; a speaking tube. [1913 Webster]

2. Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike; as, a speaking likeness. [1913 Webster]

{A speaking acquaintance}, a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects.

{Speaking trumpet}, an instrument somewhat resembling a trumpet, by which the sound of the human voice may be so intensified as to be conveyed to a great distance.

{Speaking tube}, a tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance.

{To be on speaking terms}, to be slightly acquainted. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • speaking terms — noun plural 1. : a mutual relationship limited to casual greeting or conversation used in the phrase on speaking terms 2. : a mutual relationship of intimacy and trust used with a negative and in the phrase on speaking terms the two brothers… …   Useful english dictionary

  • speaking terms — n. to be on speaking terms with smb. * * * to be on speaking terms with smb …   Combinatory dictionary

  • not be on speaking terms — (not) be on speaking terms to be refusing to talk to someone because you have had an argument and are still angry with them. She s not on speaking terms with her ex husband. (often + with) Jeanette and her mother haven t been on speaking terms… …   New idioms dictionary

  • on speaking terms — see under ↑term • • • Main Entry: ↑speak on speaking terms 1. Friendly enough to speak to each other 2. Well enough acquainted to speak • • • Main Entry: ↑term * * * on speaking terms often in negatives …   Useful english dictionary

  • on speaking terms — friendly enough to talk. We have heard from various people that the coach is barely on speaking terms with his best pitcher. Usage notes: often used in the form not on speaking terms: The two nations have not been on speaking terms for a couple… …   New idioms dictionary

  • be on speaking terms — (not) be on speaking terms to be refusing to talk to someone because you have had an argument and are still angry with them. She s not on speaking terms with her ex husband. (often + with) Jeanette and her mother haven t been on speaking terms… …   New idioms dictionary

  • (be) on speaking terms (with somebody) — be on ˈspeaking terms (with sb) | be ˈspeaking (to sb) idiom to be willing to be polite or friendly towards sb, especially after an argument • She s not been on speaking terms with her uncle for years. • Are they speaking to each other again yet? …   Useful english dictionary

  • not on speaking terms — phrase if two people are not on speaking terms, they are very angry with each other and will not talk to each other Thesaurus: words used to describe relations and relationshipshyponym friendship and feelings of friendshipsynonym Main entry:… …   Useful english dictionary

  • on speaking terms — ► on speaking terms slightly acquainted; moderately friendly. Main Entry: ↑speaking …   English terms dictionary

  • on speaking terms — not friendly but saying hello etc.    Louise and I are not friends, but we re on speaking terms …   English idioms

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