on speaking terms
Related to on speaking terms: public speaking
on speaking terms
Amicable or friendly (with someone or one another), though perhaps in a guarded or superficial capacity. Often used in the negative to show that two people are estranged. A: "You're friends with Jenny, aren't you?" B: "We're on speaking terms, but I wouldn't say we're friends." After that argument last night, I'm not on speaking terms with Stephanie. I'm glad you two are on speaking terms again. It was pretty awkward being around when the both of you were here.
See also: on, speaking, term
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on speaking terms (with someone)
on friendly terms with someone. (Often with the negative.) I'm not on speaking terms with Mary. We had a serious disagreement. We're not on speaking terms.
See also: on, speaking, term
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on speaking terms
1. Friendly enough to exchange superficial remarks, as in We're on speaking terms with the new neighbors.
2. Ready and willing to communicate, not alienated or estranged. For example, We are on speaking terms again after the quarrel. Both senses of this idiom commonly occur in the negative, as in Brett and his brother haven't been on speaking terms for years. The idiom was first recorded in 1786.
See also: on, speaking, term
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on speaking terms
1. Friendly enough to exchange superficial remarks: We're on speaking terms with the new neighbors.
2. Ready and willing to communicate; not alienated or estranged.
See also: on, speaking, term
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- be (not) on speaking terms
- be on speaking terms
- on talking terms
- get along with (one)
- get along with you
- personality
- affable personality
- estrange
- estranged from
- estranged from (one)