Talking Out of the Side of Your Mouth: Understanding the Idiom and Its True Meaning

Have you ever heard someone speak in a way that leaves you uncertain about whether they’re being completely honest? Maybe they gave a vague answer or seemed to avoid a direct response. 

You might have found yourself thinking, “They’re talking out of the side of their mouth!” But what does this idiom mean, and why is it used so often in everyday conversations?

This phrase is more than just a colorful way to describe someone who is being evasive. It reflects deeper truths about communication, trust, and honesty. 

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the true meaning of “talking out of the side of your mouth,” explore its historical origins, and give examples of how it’s used in real-life situations. 

Additionally, we’ll unpack the psychological motivations behind evasive speech and show how understanding this idiom can improve your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of this common expression, along with practical insights that will enhance your personal and professional interactions. Let’s get started!

What Does “Talking Out of the Side of Your Mouth” Really Mean?

“Talking out of the side of your mouth” is an idiom used to describe a way of speaking that is indirect, evasive, or misleading. When someone is said to be “talking out of the side of their mouth,” it typically means they are avoiding a direct or truthful answer, often in an attempt to evade responsibility, hide something, or be vague.

Primary Meaning: Deceitful or Evasive Speech

At its core, this idiom refers to avoiding honesty. The speaker isn’t necessarily lying, but they’re not telling the whole truth either. Instead, they speak in a way that creates ambiguity or leaves room for interpretation. 

This can be especially noticeable in high-stakes situations like negotiations, public speaking, or personal conflicts.

For example, imagine a manager dodging a question about performance reviews by saying, “Well, the team has been doing well overall, but we’re still focusing on improving certain aspects.” This response is vague and non-committal, which is characteristic of “talking out of the side of your mouth.”

Secondary Meaning: Half-Truths or Misleading Statements

The idiom can also imply that the speaker is deliberately giving a half-truth or misleading information. The goal is often to deflect or shift attention, rather than provide a clear, honest answer.

Take this scenario: a politician is asked about controversial legislation and responds with, “I believe we need to look at the broader picture and consult more experts before making a final decision.” 

While this might sound like a thoughtful answer, it’s a deliberate evasion, designed to avoid taking a clear stance.

Historical Origins of the Idiom

The phrase “talking out of the side of your mouth” has evolved, but it likely stems from the physical mannerisms associated with speech. Historically, people who spoke in a way that was difficult to understand—either due to a speech impediment or physical posture—were often perceived as being insincere or untrustworthy. 

In earlier times, mouth movements that made speech unclear were associated with hidden motives.

Early Usage: The Role of Speech Delivery

The expression originated as a comment on physical speech patterns, where people would speak with their heads turned or mouths positioned in a way that made their speech less clear. 

This miscommunication often led to the perception that the person was hiding something or not being completely forthright. It wasn’t just about speaking ambiguously; it was about creating an impression of deceit.

Cultural Context: A Tool for Evasion

Over time, the idiom morphed from its physical roots into a more figurative expression used to describe behavior in conversation. The early 20th century saw a rise in its use among politicians and public figures—individuals who, to maintain their reputations or avoid conflict, often answered questions without fully addressing them.

This tactic became synonymous with political doublespeak, a form of speech aimed at obfuscating the truth.

Common Situations and Examples of “Talking Out of the Side of Your Mouth”

This idiom appears in a wide variety of situations, both in personal relationships and professional settings. Let’s look at several common scenarios where the phrase “talking out of the side of your mouth” might come up.

1. In Politics

Politicians are notorious for speaking in vague or evasive terms, especially when confronted with questions that might be unpopular or controversial. Instead of giving a clear answer, they might provide a non-committal response designed to keep their options open or avoid alienating certain groups.

Example: A senator is asked about a new tax reform bill. Instead of addressing the specifics of the bill, the senator says, “I believe we need to carefully evaluate all perspectives before taking any action.” 

This is a classic example of talking out of the side of your mouth, as it avoids directly addressing the issue at hand.

2. In Personal Relationships

In relationships, whether personal or professional, people may “talk out of the side of their mouth” when they don’t want to address uncomfortable truths. This could be about anything from a personal conflict to a difficult question about feelings or actions.

Example: During a conversation about missing an important date, a partner might say, “I’ve just been busy with work lately,” when they forgot about the event altogether. 

This response avoids taking responsibility for their actions.

3. In Business Negotiations

In the business world, evasive language can be used as a tactical strategy during negotiations. If someone is trying to avoid committing to a certain deal or offering specifics about a contract, they might “talk out of the side of their mouth” to keep negotiations open.

Example: During a contract negotiation, a company representative says, “We’re still reviewing all the options and haven’t made a final decision yet.” 

While this statement may seem neutral, it’s a deliberate evasion of providing concrete information about whether the deal will be accepted or not.

Psychological and Linguistic Insights

Understanding why people resort to this kind of indirect speech can provide valuable insights into human behavior, especially in situations that require careful communication or negotiation. Let’s explore the psychological and linguistic aspects of talking out of the side of your mouth.

Psychological Motivations for Evasive Speech

At its heart, evasive speech is often motivated by the desire to avoid conflict, preserve self-image, or dodge responsibility. 

People who talk this way may be trying to avoid confrontation or protect themselves from the potential consequences of being completely honest. This is particularly evident in high-stress or high-stakes environments.

In personal relationships, someone may avoid the truth because they fear hurting someone’s feelings, causing tension, or admitting to their own mistakes. 

In a business context, evasive answers can help avoid making a firm commitment that could lead to unwanted outcomes.

Linguistic Patterns: Indirect Communication

From a linguistic perspective, talking out of the side of your mouth is a form of indirect communication. People use less direct language, often using qualifiers such as “maybe,” “I think,” or “possibly” to create wiggle room. These phrases allow the speaker to avoid being pinned down to a clear stance.

Nonverbal Cues and Evasive Behavior

Alongside verbal vagueness, nonverbal behavior also plays a role in signaling evasiveness. Body language—like looking away, shifting posture, or avoiding eye contact—can reinforce the sense that someone is avoiding the truth. 

These subtle cues often go unnoticed but contribute significantly to the impression of dishonesty or evasion.

Why Understanding This Idiom Matters

Recognizing when someone is talking out of the side of their mouth can have a significant impact on both personal relationships and professional communication. Here’s why it matters:

In Personal Relationships

When you encounter someone who speaks evasively, it’s important to recognize the signs. This behavior can erode trust and create confusion. Understanding the idiom helps you navigate these situations and encourages open, honest conversations.

In Professional Environments

In professional settings, recognizing evasive speech is crucial during negotiations, interviews, or any situation that requires clarity. When you can identify when someone is avoiding a direct answer, you can ask clarifying questions to get to the truth.

Building Trust and Authenticity

The ability to communicate clearly and honestly fosters trust. When you speak directly and openly, people are more likely to trust your word. Transparency and authenticity are key in building strong relationships, whether personal or professional.

Conclusion: The Importance of Direct Communication

“Talking out of the side of your mouth” is more than just a colorful expression. It reflects deeper issues in communication—issues of trust, honesty, and clarity. 

By understanding the meaning and origins of this idiom, we gain valuable insights into how people communicate and why they sometimes avoid the truth. 

Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, recognizing when someone is evading the truth can help you navigate conversations more effectively and encourage direct, open dialogue.

So, the next time you encounter vague or evasive language, remember this idiom and consider what might be left unsaid. Sometimes, it’s not just about the words that are spoken but what’s being left out. Stay aware, stay curious, and always strive for clearer, more authentic communication.

FAQs About “Talking Out of the Side of Your Mouth”

1. What does “talking out of the side of your mouth” mean?

“Talking out of the side of your mouth” is an idiom used to describe speaking in an evasive, indirect, or misleading way. 

It implies that the speaker is avoiding a direct answer, often to hide the truth or avoid confrontation. The phrase is typically used when someone is being vague, offering half-truths, or not answering a question.

2. How is this idiom used in everyday conversations?

In everyday conversations, people use the idiom to express frustration when someone is not being straightforward. 

For example, if someone is asked a direct question and they respond with a vague or non-committal answer, you might say, “They’re talking out of the side of their mouth.”

3. Why do people “talk out of the side of their mouth”?

There are several reasons why people may talk in this manner, including:

• Avoiding confrontation or uncomfortable topics.
  
• Fear of being caught in a lie or giving an answer they might regret.
  
• Trying to protect their reputation or avoid responsibility.
  
• Trying to maintain control of a conversation by staying vague and non-committal.
  

4. Is talking out of the side of your mouth always dishonest?

Not necessarily. While it often involves indirect or evasive communication, it doesn’t always mean the speaker is being dishonest. 

They might be trying to avoid a direct answer for various reasons, such as politeness, uncertainty, or fear of the consequences of being fully transparent. However, habitual use of evasive speech can create a perception of dishonesty or lack of trustworthiness.

5. Can this idiom be used in professional settings?

Yes, the idiom can be used in both personal and professional settings. In professional environments, it’s common to encounter evasive speech during negotiations, business deals, or interviews. 

Recognizing when someone is “talking out of the side of their mouth” can help you navigate the conversation more effectively and push for clearer, more direct answers.