ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talk back

idiom
Meaning

To reply impertinently or rudely; to answer in a cheeky or rude manner.

Examples
SIMPLE

Do not talk back to your parents.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher sent the student to the office because he continued to talk back during the lesson.

COMPLEX

Despite the strict rules of the academy, the rebellious student could not resist the urge to talk back whenever the headmaster questioned his behavior.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  2. 02

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  3. 03

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

Last updated April 17, 2026