talk down to someone—talk in a way that suggests that the speaker is superior:
- It’s unwise for a lecturer to talk down to his audience.
talk up to someone—
1. be obsequious or super-respectful when talking to a person in a higher position, etc.:
- Don’t talk up to someone, as if they are better than you. Don’t talk down to someone, as if you are better than them. You are equals.
2. talk to smb. in a friendly and persuasive manner so as to gain favor, connections, etc.:
- He knew how to move at different levels; he could talk up to people at different conventions … he knew how to connect.
See also: chat someone up / talk someone up.