gift of the gab

Definitions

The ability to talk readily, glibly, and convincingly, especially on trivial matters and small talk.

idiomatic, uncountable, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“"Ay, that he shall," replied Fagin, "and we'll have⟳ a big-wig, Charley: one that's got the greatest gift of the gab: to carry⟳ on his defence; and he shall make⟳ a speech for himself too, if he likes."”

“I had meant to speak⟳ for ten minutes and must now go on for forty, and, though I've been racking my brains for three hours to think⟳ of something, I simply cannot last⟳ the course. Now you've got to be a good chap and help⟳ me. You're a Free Trader and can tell⟳ our people what a wash-out Protection is in the Colonies. All you fellows have⟳ the gift of the gab.”

“He is a political chameleon, as charming to business leaders he met privately in Aberdeen on Friday night as he has been inspiring to distressed and desperate Labour defectors in Glasgow and beyond. The ex-oil economist can do it all because he has the gift of the gab and used to be a leftwing tearaway, expelled from the SNP ranks in stuffier times.”

CEFR level