shoot the bull
Gab about nothing
To shoot the bull is to engage in casual, aimless conversation—talking for the pleasure of it rather than to accomplish anything.
The bull being shot is nonsense or exaggeration, suggesting the talk may be idle boasting or storytelling: We sat on the porch shooting the bull for hours.
Sometimes shortened to shoot the shit.
Informal light conversation
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- gabLight, meaningless talk
- jawBone holding teeth
- schmoozeChat to gain favor
repartee · quip · jest · joke · wit · wordplay · blarney · raillery
Unconfirmed circulating story
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- hearsayUnverified secondhand information
- scoopFirst-reported story
- buzzContinuous low drone
innuendo · speculation · dirt · backbiting · dishing · juicy details · office gossip · spilling tea
Forming close connections
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- chumminessClose, familiar friendliness
- hangoutFrequented gathering place
locker room · bar talk · porch sitting · water cooler · backyard · campfire · old friends · reunion
Reclining in idleness
- hanging outCasual socializing
- idlingOperating without working
- loafingPassing time idly
- putteringUnhurried aimless activity
passing time · dawdling · whiling away · unwinding · chewing the fat · relaxing · kicking back
chitchat
Informal light conversation
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- gabLight, meaningless talk
- jawBone holding teeth
schmooze · repartee · quip · jest · joke · wit · wordplay · blarney · raillery · ribbing
rumor
Unconfirmed circulating story
buzz · innuendo · speculation · dirt · backbiting · dishing · juicy details · office gossip · spilling tea · loose lips
bonding
Forming close connections
- fellowshipMutual goodwill among companions
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
- chumminessClose, familiar friendliness
hangout · locker room · bar talk · porch sitting · water cooler · backyard · campfire · old friends · reunion · catching up
lounging
Reclining in idleness
- hanging outCasual socializing
- idlingOperating without working
- loafingPassing time idly
passing time · puttering · dawdling · whiling away · unwinding · chewing the fat · relaxing · kicking back
shoot the bulldeliberate
Consciously chosen, not accidental
negotiate · confer · talk turkey · debate · get down to business
shoot the bullget down to business
Begin focused work
work · strategize · problem-solve · brainstorm · plan
shoot the bulltell it like it is
Speak with complete candor
speak plainly · document · report · testify
shoot, shoots, shooting, shot, shooter, shooters, bull, bulls, bullish