we need to talk

we need to talk

1. cliché Used as an introduction to a conversation in which the speaker intends to end their romantic relationship with the other person. A: "Look, Sarah, we need to talk." B: "Oh God, I know what that means. Things got so bad for a while that I expected every conversation with her to begin with "we need to talk."
2. Used as an introduction for any conversation, often one that that is (or is feared to be) serious, important, and possibly upsetting. My anxiety kicked in the second the boss said, "Haley, we need to talk." If you say, "We need to talk," I will automatically assume the worst every time.
See also: need, talk, we
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

we need to talk (about something)

an expression urging or ordering someone to discuss something. Bill: Can I come over tonight? We need to talk about something. Mary: I guess so. "Mr. Franklin," said Bill's boss sort of sternly, "I want to see you in my office for a minute. We need to talk about something."
See also: need, talk, we
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (Do) (you) come here often?
  • Do you know who I am?
  • Don't you know who I am?
  • trouble in paradise
  • a sight to behold
  • be careful what you wish for(, it might (just) come true)
  • X's and Y's and Z's, oh my!
  • strong silent type
  • strong, silent type
  • the strong, silent type
References in periodicals archive
"We need to talk about alcohol, we need to talk about drug addictions and there's loads more.
Brendan's bid to document the homeless crisis in show
Critique: Collaboratively compiled and co-edited by the team of Roberta Garrett (Senior Lecturer in the Department of Arts, Humanities and Digital Industries at the University of East London), Tracey Jensen (Lecturer in Sociology at Lancaster University, UK), and Angie Voela (Senior Lecturer in Psychosocial Studies at the University of East London), "We Need to Talk about Family" is a model of seminal and erudite scholarship.
We Need to Talk about Family
* WORRIED: Tilda Swinton as Eva in We Need To Talk About Kevin
Murderous business
We Need To Talk About Kevin is nothing short of breathtaking, and Swinton is mesmerising.
also showing
John Edwards believes we need to talk more to achieve more
Working as a team
'We are keen to go up as a club, but we need to talk through a few details,' said club secretary Tony Melding.
Talks on Neath's position
I know the women folk can be irritatin' with all their yammerin' about "relationships." All men hate to hear "We need to talk about our relationship." But the one thing any real man knows is that when a gal starts naggin' you about your feelings, you don't go spoutin' off.
The masculine mystique: a Harvard professor has written a book on manliness. John Wayne isn't impressed
When he walks into his son's bedroom, the teenager is wearing a dress and applying lipstick "We need to talk," the dad says to his caught-off-guard son.
Gender goes mobile
The woman says to the man, "I think we need to talk about our client-broker relationship." Maysonet pointed out that clients disrespect brokers who do not act like professionals.
10 ways to fail as an agent
They share our dreams, listen when we need to talk and make even cloudy days bright.
My BFF taught me how to ..
So, when we want to begin the conversation on succession planning, we need to talk about Founder's Syndrome as a potential barrier to success.
Building the future from the inside out. (Succession Planning)
We need to talk the talk before we can walk the walk.
Talk the talk
We need to talk with one another about solutions to our common problems.
What price comfort? (Independent Music Teachers Forum)
Couples need to get over the idea that "if we need to talk about money, you don't trust me or you really don't love me," she says.
To love, honor & deduct
AaAaAeA{AaAaAeA We need to talk we need to listen, the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ant1/2nio Guterres intended during his office power to give priority to youth,AaAaAeA{ Steiner said in a speech he delivered on behalf of Guterres.
UNDP administrator praises World Youth Forum