talk out of turn

      English

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      Verb

      talk out of turn

      1. (idiomatic) To make a remark or provide information when it is inappropriate or indiscreet to do so, or when one does not have permission or the authority to do so.
        • 1894, George Putnam, "A Lady of the Line," Scribner's Magazine, vol. 15, p. 255:
          Wherever she was, she always essayed the leading social role; and it was seldom that a woman said to her: "Mrs. Volante, you are talking out of turn."
        • 1941, "Power Politics," Time, 13 Oct.:
          "If the President is wise, he will henceforth confine his press conferences to domestic questions." . . . With these words, Pundit Walter Lippmann last week reprimanded Franklin Roosevelt for talking out of turn about religious freedom in Russia.
        • 1957, Ruth Montgomery, "Leaders in Congress Fume at Lack of ICBM Security," St. Petersburg Times, 13 Jun., p. 2A (retrieved 25 Sep. 2008):
          Because some government officials apparently talked out of turn, the Russians can now engage in ballistics blackmail with our allies.
        • 2004, Robert Jablon, "Talkative Courtney Love admonished by judge in drug case," San Diego Union Tribune, 17 Mar. (retrieved 25 Sep. 2008):
          A judge admonished rock star Courtney Love after she showed up two hours late for a hearing on drug charges and talked out of turn in court.

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      Last modified on 17 June 2013, at 20:53