English

Alternative forms

• speak out of turn

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.

Translations

See also

• tell tales out of school