talk (some) sense into/to

idiom

informal
: to cause (someone) to stop thinking or behaving foolishly
I couldn't talk sense to him.
He talked (some) sense into her and she promised to get rid of that dangerous car.

Examples of talk (some) sense into/to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Like a nautical Sisyphus, Lara tries to talk some sense into Tzarina. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2025 Bill’s obsession compels Hal to return home, hoping to talk some sense into his brother. David Sims, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Talk (some) sense into/to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talk%20%28some%29%20sense%20into%2Fto. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!