talk (oneself) out of (something)
talk (oneself) out of (something)
1. To fail to earn, receive, or achieve something because one says something foolish, troublesome, or discrediting. He had a really impressive résumé, but he talked himself out of the job during the interview. She talked herself out of the promotion when she started discussing her desire to try working in a different industry.
2. To convince oneself not to do, try, accept, receive, etc., something. I had a really good job opportunity in London, but I was so nervous about moving to a different country that I talked myself out of taking it. It's like she's determined to talk herself out of happiness.
See also: of, out, talk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
talk someone out of something
to convince someone to give up or change something. They were trying to talk me out of my decision. Timmy tried to talk Mary out of her ice cream cone.
See also: of, out, talk
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
talk out of
see under talk into; also see out of turn, def. 2.
See also: of, out, talk
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- (one) could use (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- (one) never would have guessed
- (one) doesn't give a rip (about something)
- all right
- (one) doesn't give a hoot (about something)
- a/the feel of (something)
- (one) won't hear of (something)
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- (one's) heart is set on (something)