Small talk meaning in English

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Definition

to make small talk: to chat, to gossip; to make casual conversation idiom

Examples

"Philip : I even find time to make small talk with beautiful efficiency consultants who happen to pass by."

Exercise 1

Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.

There may be more than one correct answer! Choose all that apply.

Philip has no time for socializing during the week.

Philip spends time trying to please Delavigne's important clients.

Fiona is surprised and impressed that Philip does so much in one week.

Fiona is disappointed that Philip is so ineffective.

Choose the TRUE statements from the list below.

There may be more than one correct answer! Choose all that apply.

Philip has no time for socializing during the week.

Philip tells Fiona that even though he has many responsibilities during the week, he "makes time to make small talk with beautiful efficiency consultants". "To make time for something" is to "take the time to do something", and "to make small talk" is to "socialize" or "chat". Philip actually does have time to do things other than work during the week!

Philip spends time trying to please Delavigne's important clients.

This statement is true. Philip tells Fiona that one of his job responsibilities is "making sure (Delavigne's important accounts) are happy". Philip ensures that these clients are happy because they represent a large source of income to the company. When Philip says that he spends time "making them happy", he means that he is trying to please them.

Fiona is surprised and impressed that Philip does so much in one week.

This is a true statement. Fiona is indeed impressed by Philip's "workload". She says that his workload is "impressive", and it seems clear that she appreciates all of Philip's job responsibilities.

Fiona is disappointed that Philip is so ineffective.

This statement is false. Fiona is not disappointed in Philip at all. On the contrary, Fiona seems impressed by all the work that Philip accomplishes over the course of the week.

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