# loosen someone's tongue

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/loosen-someones-tongue
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause one to speak more freely; to cause one to discuss a subject that would not usually be discussed.

## Examples

- A little wine often loosens someone's tongue.
- The detective hoped that offering the suspect a warm meal would loosen his tongue.
- After hours of quiet reflection, the unexpected kindness of a stranger finally loosened her tongue, allowing her to share the secrets she had guarded for years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.