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Talk Back

What Does "Talk Back" Mean?

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"Talk back" is an English idiom. It means "to respond impudently or disrespectfully to someone in authority or during a conversation."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "talk back" used in a sentence:
  • He got into trouble for talking back to his teacher when she reprimanded him.
  • Talking back is generally considered rude and disrespectful behavior.
  • Respectful communication is encouraged, even during disagreements.
meaning for talk back

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Talk Back" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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