speak out of turn
Talk when forbidden
To speak out of turn is to say something at an inappropriate time or without proper authority.
The phrase comes from games where players act in sequence—speaking out of turn disrupts the order.
More broadly, it means offering opinions when you shouldn't, revealing information prematurely, or overstepping your role: I don't mean to speak out of turn, but I think this plan is flawed.
The expression often appears as a hedge before saying something potentially unwelcome.
- impertinentRudely presumptuous
- talk backRespond with disrespect
- interjectionEmotional outcry word class
- commentBrief stated opinion
- inappropriateNot suitable or fitting
blurt · loose lips · interrupt · slip of the tongue · foot in mouth · faux pas · overstepping · cross the line · remark · indiscreet · gaffe · assert · jump the gun · tactlessness · state · misjudge · express · insubordination
- expressions for speaking rashlyfoot in mouth, blurt out, let slip, careless talk
- Assumptionsfalse assumption, stereotypes, generalizations, biases, prejudices
speak out of turntake turns
Alternate in sequence
wait your turn · wait one's turn · raise one's hand · raise your hand
speak out of turnhold your tongue
Refrain from speaking
mind your own business · know your place · bite your tongue · keep mum
speak out of turnhold back
Prevent forward movement
remain silent · stay quiet · keep quiet · bide your time · listen
speak, turn, speaks, spoken, speaking, speaker, speakers, speakable, unspeakable