ENGLISH
REFERENCE

talking head

idiom
Meaning

A journalist or pundit, especially one on television, who presents or discusses issues of the day.


Origin

disputed origin

Probably from the fact that when a pundit is speaking on television, the camera often zooms in on his or her head.

Examples
SIMPLE

The talking head on the news discussed the new law.

CONTEXTUAL

I usually turn off the television when the talking heads start arguing about politics during the evening news.

COMPLEX

The program featured a panel of talking heads who offered conflicting opinions on the economic crisis, leaving the audience more confused than before.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bang one's head against a brick wall

    To waste effort on a futile project.

  2. 02

    bash someone's head

    To beat up someone violently.

  3. 03

    big head

    An inflated ego, an exaggerated belief in one's own importance.

  4. 04

    bite someone's head off

    To severely berate someone.

  5. 05

    blow someone's head off

    To shoot someone in the head.

  6. 06

    bury one's head in the sand

    To deliberately ignore the reality of a situation; to pretend a problem does not exist.

  7. 07

    come to a head

    To rapidly reach a turning point or climax.

  8. 08

    cool head

    A calm, focused demeanor and mindset; a person having such characteristics.

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