talk round
B2Informal, occasionally neutral in business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To persuade someone to change their opinion or agree with you by lengthy discussion.
To discuss a topic extensively without reaching the main point; to avoid addressing something directly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a degree of manipulation or indirect persuasion. Can have a slightly negative connotation of wearing someone down rather than convincing through logic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. American English may prefer 'talk into' or 'persuade' for the core meaning, but 'talk around' is used for the extended meaning.
Connotations
In British English, can imply clever persuasion. In American English, 'talk around' more strongly suggests evasion.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English, particularly in spoken and journalistic registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
talk somebody round (to something)talk round the issue/problemVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Talk round in circles”
- “Talk the hind legs off a donkey (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in negotiations or management to describe persuading a colleague or client.
Academic
Rare; more likely in political science discussing parliamentary tactics.
Everyday
Common in describing personal persuasion, e.g., about holiday plans.
Technical
Not typical.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was against the idea, but I talked him round over a pint.
- The MP talked round his colleagues to support the bill.
American English
- She talked her parents round to letting her study abroad.
- We talked round the proposal for an hour before voting.
adjective
British English
- A talk-round strategy is often used in sales.
- He gave a talk-round explanation that satisfied no one.
American English
- Her talk-round tactics were effective but time-consuming.
- The meeting was just talk-round discussion with no decisions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I talked my friend round. Now she likes the film too.
- It took me an hour to talk my boss round to the new plan.
- The politician skilfully talked round the journalists' difficult questions.
- Despite initial scepticism, the board was talked round by the CEO's compelling, data-driven presentation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine talking to someone while walking ROUND and ROUND them until they agree.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS CIRCULAR MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'говорить кругом'.
- Confusion with 'talk about' (обсуждать).
- Mistaking it for 'talk around' (US) meaning to avoid.
Common Mistakes
- *She talked round him to go. (Correct: She talked him round.)
- Using it without an object: *He talked round for hours. (Needs: He talked round the issue for hours.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'talk round' in this sentence: 'The committee talked round the issue of funding for two hours.'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You talk somebody round, or talk round a topic.
'Talk round' implies a longer, more discursive process of persuasion, often involving overcoming initial resistance.
It's more common in speech and informal writing. In formal contexts, 'persuade' or 'convince' are often preferred.
Not exactly. 'Discuss' is neutral. 'Talk round' often implies either persuading someone or discussing something without getting to the heart of the matter.