speaking terms - Definition & Meaning

a two-sided relationship in which two people greet each other or have casual conversationsa two-sided relationship in which two people greet each other or have casual conversations

The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It may have emerged from the idea that speaking or communicating with someone is a sign of a positive relationship or mutual understanding. Alternatively, it may have derived from the concept of "terms" in a negotiation or agreement, suggesting that two parties are on "speaking terms" when they are able to communicate effectively and reach a mutual understanding. Regardless of its origin, the phrase remains in use today to describe a positive relationship between individuals who had previously been at odds.The origin of the phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It may have emerged from the idea that speaking or communicating with someone is a sign of a positive relationship or mutual understanding. Alternatively, it may have derived from the concept of "terms" in a negotiation or agreement, suggesting that two parties are on "speaking terms" when they are able to communicate effectively and reach a mutual understanding. Regardless of its origin, the phrase remains in use today to describe a positive relationship between individuals who had previously been at odds.

例句

After their argument, Sarah and John are no longer on speaking terms.
在他们争论之后，莎拉和约翰不再处于交谈关系。
Despite their differences, they managed to maintain speaking terms throughout the project.
尽管存在分歧，他们还是在项目期间保持了友好关系。
It took some time, but eventually, they were able to establish speaking terms again.
这花了一些时间，但最终，他们能够重新建立对话关系。