Learning idioms is one of the most effective ways to sound natural in English. These figurative expressions carry meanings that go beyond the literal words, and mastering them gives you a real advantage in everyday conversations. In this lesson, five powerful idioms related to speaking and talking are broken down with clear examples so you can start using them right away.
What is an idiom and why does it matter?
An idiom is an agreed-upon saying, a figure of speech with a figurative meaning rather than a literal one [0:18]. That distinction is essential: the words in an idiom don't mean what they normally mean on their own. A classic example is raining cats and dogs [0:34]. Nobody expects animals falling from the sky — it simply means it's raining very hard. Once you understand this principle, you can appreciate how idioms work across the English language.
Which idioms describe how people talk?
What does "flapping one's gums" mean?
Flapping one's gums (or mouth) means to speak excessively about unimportant things [1:07]. Picture someone who just keeps talking and talking without saying anything meaningful.
- Example: "My buddy Bill loves to flap his gums about everything." He simply talks a lot.
What does "chew the fat" mean?
Chew the fat has nothing to do with eating [1:30]. It means to discuss something, usually in a casual, relaxed way.
- Example: "We like to chew the fat before we begin a project." The team talks things over before getting started.
What does "dish it out" mean?
Dish out (or dish it out) means to give critical comments or judgment [1:50]. It is often paired with the phrase "but can't take it," describing someone who criticizes others yet cannot handle criticism directed at them.
- Example: "Bill can dish it out, but he can't take it." He is happy to be critical, yet he doesn't enjoy receiving the same treatment.
How do you describe great speakers and poor listeners?
What is the "gift of gab"?
The gift of gab refers to the ability to speak well and with eloquence [2:12]. A person with this gift can talk comfortably about any topic with anyone.
- Example: "Our host has the gift of gab. He can talk about anything to anyone."
What does "like talking to a brick wall" mean?
This idiom describes someone who does not react when spoken to [2:35]. There is no feedback, no acknowledgment — just silence.
- Example: "My son sometimes can be like talking to a brick wall. He doesn't make any reaction."
How can you practice these idioms?
A quick review exercise helps reinforce each expression [3:15]:
- To speak critically of someone or dispense something → dish out.
- A person very good at speaking to everyone → has the gift of gab (true).
- Discussing football casually with friends → chewing the fat.
- A friend who talks and talks about everything and anything → flapping his gums, not chewing the fat, because the focus is on excessive, unimportant talk rather than meaningful discussion.
Notice how the difference between flapping one's gums and chewing the fat is subtle yet important: one emphasizes pointless over-talking, while the other highlights casual discussion. Getting these nuances right is what makes your English sound polished and confident.
Try using at least one of these idioms in a real conversation today — and share in the comments which one felt most natural to you.
