speak something out— 1. declare smth. openly and clearly: A large part of old novels speak out plainly and simply the notorious facts of the world, as men speak of them to men. 2. (Parliament) carry on the discussion of a bill, etc. till the time for adjournment is reached, and so prevent it from […]
Difference between Speak out of turn and Speak too soon
speak out of turn—speak rashly or tactlessly (without enough thought of the consequences): I’m going to speak out of turn and you’ll be welcome to tell me I should mind my own business. speak too soon—say or announce smth. prematurely: I spoke too soon about moving to Boston; I didn’t get the job after all.
Difference between Speak in confidence and Speak with confidence
speak in confidence—speak in the expectation that anything said will be kept private: They could speak in confidence to medical staff who were only obliged to notify managers if the employees condition created a risk. speak with confidence—speak in an assertive and self-assured manner: At the convention he was one of the five most frequent […]
Difference between Speak high and Speak highly
speak high—(dated) speak loudly: You must do me the honor to speak high, for I am deaf. speak highly —(also: talk highly) praise a person or thing: The students spoke highly of their history lecturer.
Speak for something vs Speak volumes for something
speak for something— 1. (also: speak up for something ) speak in support of an idea, proposal, etc.: Mary always spoke for the rights of her people at a time when the civil rights movement was gaining ground. 2. (of things or actions) give proof in favor of smth.; be evidence of smth. (also: speak […]
Difference between Speak English and Speak in English
speak English— 1. know and be able to use the language: She asked if the other two women spoke English, and Miss Savage told her that one was a German-Swiss. 2. use English in conversation: As I spoke English, she concluded I was a foreign teacher come on business connected with the Pensionnat. speak in […]
Difference between Speak by the book and Speak like a book
speak by the book—speak accurately, with care as to facts: I knew him for many years, and I speak by the book of the man. He could write nothing that he did not at least feel to be true. speak like a book—use literary or pedantic language in conversation: “If you can contrive to affect […]
Difference between Speak broad and Speak broadly
speak broad—(UK) speak with a strong accent showing that a speaker is from a definite part of the country: Parents who speak “broad” Shetlandic to their children may nevertheless scoff at the idea that it might be of any value. speak broadly—speak in general terms rather than specific details: I tried to find laureates who […]
Difference between Speak at someone and Speak to someone
speak at someone—speak to a person without paying attention to his reaction: Is this person listening to me? Is he speaking at me, down to me, or with me? Is this a caring person I can trust? speak to someone— 1. address a person: The skinny ugly woman suddenly spoke to me: “You like black […]
Difference between Speak aloud and Speak loud
speak aloud—speak in a normal voice rather than quietly or in a whisper: You must never speak aloud in theaters, I was told. speak loud—speak in a voice that is above normal in volume: He spoke loud enough for most of the audience to hear him.
Difference between Speak against someone and Tell against someone
speak against someone—say bad things about smb.; give a speech against a person: Those who spoke against me had never met me. They had never read a word I had written. tell against someone—said of smth. such as age, etc. that prevents a person from being successful: There may be many minor evil habits that […]
Speak about something vs Speak of something vs Speak on something
speak about something—talk about smth.; discuss smth.: We don’t speak about that unfortunate period in our family history. Cf.: speaking about something—(also: speaking of something) used to introduce once again the subject that has just been mentioned: The weather affects how we think, move, and feel. Speaking about the weather I have to say, that […]