A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

speak out of turn • speak too soon
speak out of turn —speak rashly or tactlessly (without enough
thought of the consequences): I’m going to speak out of turn
and you’ll be welcome to tell me I should mind my own busi-
ness.
speak too soon —say or announce smth. prematurely: I spoke
too soon about moving to Boston; I didn’t get the job after
all.
speak something out • talk something out
speak something out—
1
. declare smth. openly and clearly: A
large part of old novels speak out plainly and simply the noto-
rious facts of the world, as men speak of them to men. 2. (Par-
liament) carry on the discussion of a bill, etc. till the time for
adjournment is reached, and so prevent it from being passed:
He spoke with the obvious intention of speaking out the Bill.
talk something out—
1
. discuss smth. thoroughly: I think the
whole question has now been talked out. 2. = speak something
out 2: The new law will not have effect as planned, as it was
talked out in the last meeting of the House. 3. (of a quarrel,
dispute, etc.) settle by talking: Unions and employers should
try to talk out their differences before taking action.
speak well for something • speak well of
 something
speak well for something —give proof in favor of smth.; be
strong evidence of smth.: His generous gift speaks well for his
willingness to help others.
speak well of something —
1
. express a good opinion of smth.:
To speak well of the past was a mortal sin and got you into
trouble with the party theologians. 2. = speak well for some-
thing: His desire to stay with the high-tech program at Cleve-
land speaks well of his good intentions.
speak without affect • speak without effect
speak without affect—speak in a normal natural way not
intended to impress others: Acting as actors, they speak with-
out affect, in the mundane idiom of contemporary New York-
ers.
speak without effect—speak in vain or to no purpose: The
subject and the occasion are valueless, but it is equally true
that, without a great subject and a proper occasion, a man
speaks without effect.