ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talk to oneself

idiom
Meaning

To say one's thoughts aloud, particularly while also not conversing with anyone else.


Examples
SIMPLE

I often talk to myself when I am cooking dinner.

CONTEXTUAL

She did not realize she was talking to herself until the person at the next table looked over.

COMPLEX

Lost in deep contemplation, the professor paced the library floor, unconsciously talking to himself as he worked through the complex equation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    adorn oneself with borrowed plumes

    To claim the honor of another for oneself.

  2. 02

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  3. 03

    apply oneself

    Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.

  4. 04

    be oneself

    To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.

  5. 05

    bear oneself

    To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.

  6. 06

    big talk

    Statements which are boastful or exaggerated.

  7. 07

    box oneself into a corner

    To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.

  8. 08

    buy a dog and bark oneself

    To do something that one has hired someone else to do.

Last updated April 17, 2026