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Learn more English in a Minute
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Introduction
You watching these videos speaks volumes about your dedication to learning English. There are a few phrases in English with the word ‘speak’. Learn some of them here with Georgie and then practise using the quiz.
Phrases with 'speak'
speak of the devil
an expression for when you’re talking about someone, and then they appear
- I wish Susie would clean the kitchen more often. Speak of the devil! Susie, could you wash up the dishes, please?
be on speaking terms
be in a friendly enough relationship with someone that you can talk
- I want both Mark and Diane to come to my party, but they’re not really on speaking terms at the moment, so it might be a bit awkward.
speaks volumes
conveys an idea clearly without using any words
- He came to my ballet performance, which speaks volumes about how much he cares.
speak too soon
say something which is quickly shown not to be true
- I told everyone that my dog was fully trained, but I spoke too soon. He then chewed all my furniture.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Georgie
We all know the verb 'speak', but do you know any phrases that go with it?
Say, "Speak of the devil," when you're talking about someone and then they appear.
I heard Sophie's moving to the US. Ah, speak of the devil! I was just talking about you, Sophie.
To be on speaking terms with someone means you're in a friendly enough relationship with someone that you can talk. This is often used in the negative after an argument.
We had a big disagreement last week so we're not on speaking terms at the moment.
If something speaks volumes, then it conveys an idea clearly without using any words.
She says she isn't annoyed, but her face speaks volumes.
And lastly, if you say something which is quickly shown not to be true, you can say, "I spoke too soon."
I'm so lucky it hasn't rained today! Oh dear, I spoke too soon and now it's just started raining.
You watching these videos speaks volumes about your dedication to learning English.
Next
Head to out skills page for tips with speaking.
Learn more idiomatic language in The English We Speak.
Find our latest programmes here.
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