ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talk out of turn

idiom
Meaning

To make a remark or provide information when it is inappropriate or indiscreet to do so, or when one does not have permission or the authority to do so.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not talk out of turn during the meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

The junior employee felt embarrassed after he talked out of turn and interrupted the director's presentation.

COMPLEX

Although he knew the sensitive nature of the negotiations, the diplomat talked out of turn and inadvertently compromised the entire agreement.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  2. 02

    big talk

    Statements which are boastful or exaggerated.

  3. 03

    Buggins's turn

    A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

  4. 04

    coffee talk

    Informal conversation among friends or acquaintances, of the kind that occurs in a casual gathering where people sit together and drink coffee.

  5. 05

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  6. 06

    everything one touches turns to shit

    Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.

  7. 07

    good turn

    A good deed; a thoughtful or selfless act.

  8. 08

    if these walls could talk

    Used to denote a location with an interesting or controversial history.

Last updated April 17, 2026