line of gab

Thân thiện

A salesperson uses a smooth line of gab to demonstrate a new vacuum cleaner.

Definition

Noun: * Plausible, glib talk; smooth, persuasive speech, especially of a kind used by a salesperson: A "line of gab" refers to a prepared, fluent, and often insincere or exaggerated way of speaking that is designed to persuade, impress, or deceive someone. It implies a rehearsed, slick manner of talking.

Usage

• The phrase is typically used in informal contexts to describe someone's persuasive speaking ability, often with a slightly negative or skeptical connotation. It suggests the talk is more about style and persuasion than about substance or truth.
• It is commonly used with verbs like have, give, use, or feed (someone).

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "To feed someone a line of gab": To tell someone a prepared, persuasive, and often false story.
  • He fed me a line of gab about being a famous producer, but I didn't believe him.

Variants and Related Words

• Gift of gab (noun phrase): A natural talent for talking easily and persuasively. This variant is more neutral and can be used positively.
  • With her gift of gab, she's a perfect fit for a career in public relations.

Synonyms

• Sales pitch: A prepared talk to promote a product or idea.
• Spiel: A long, fast, and often rehearsed speech intended to persuade.
• Patter: Rapid, smooth talk used by a salesperson or entertainer.
• Smooth talk: Persuasive, charming, and often insincere speech.

Related Idioms

• To have the gift of the gab: To be naturally eloquent and persuasive.
  • As a politician, you really need to have the gift of the gab.

Học thuật

Noun

1. plausible glib talk (especially useful to a salesperson)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• spiel
• patter