holding forth

Lecturing at length

Holding forth is speaking at length, usually with the implication that the speaker is dominating conversation or lecturing others.

The phrase suggests self-important or tedious monologuing: He was holding forth on politics while everyone else exchanged glances.

Someone who holds forth assumes an audience, whether or not one was sought.

Related

preaching · monologue · going on and on · pontification · proclaiming · bloviating · opinionatedness · sermonizing · expounding · verbosity · soapbox · expatiate · podium · declaration · haranguing · blathering · public speaking · pronouncement

Categories
Opposites
communicative role

holding forthlistening

Attending to sound

paying attention · lending an ear · keeping quiet · absorbing · attending

verbal quantity/style

holding forthlistening

Attending to sound

keeping quiet · clamming up · biting one's tongue · shutting up · holding one's peace

communication style

holding forthunderstating

Representing as less significant

saying one's piece

Family

hold, holding, forthcoming, forth, forthright, forthwith, forthrightness

Familiarity
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Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G