talk turkey

1. To discuss in a straightforward manner: “The time has come to talk turkey about our national debt.”

Idioms and Phrases

Speak plainly, get to the point, as in Don't call me until you're ready to talk turkey . This expression allegedly comes from a tale about an Indian and a white man who hunted together and divided the game. When the white man said, “I'll take the turkey and you the buzzard, or you take the buzzard and I the turkey,” the Indian replied, “Talk turkey to me.” Whether or not this tale had a true basis, the term was recorded in its present meaning by about 1840.

Example Sentences

Very little "talk turkey" has the Indian experienced in dealing with the whites.

From Project Gutenberg

Lets go back down to the hotel and talk turkey, offered Shepherd briskly.

From Project Gutenberg

The Indian opened his eyes wide, and replied, "Seems to me you talk all buzzard to me, and no talk turkey."

From Project Gutenberg

Suppose we talk turkey about the common rights at Skulltree!

From Project Gutenberg

If Donnegan hadn't cleaned up on you, you'd have had to talk turkey with me.

From Project Gutenberg