heart-to-heartˌheart-to-ˈheart noun [countable] 
Why don’t you have a heart-to-heart with him and sort out your problems?—heart-to-heart adjective: a heart-to-heart talk
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- It was time for a heart-to-heart with my daughter.
- But he's also honest, which means that during a heart-to-heart, your heart might get hurt.
Longman Language Activatorto talk to someone about a problem, plan, or serious subject
· I think we need to talk.talk about · If you're having trouble at school, let's sit down and talk about it.talk to · Gerry wants to talk to his girlfriend before he makes a decision.talk with American · It's important to talk with your kids about drugs, alcohol, and sex.
if people discuss a subject or situation, they exchange ideas and opinions about it, so it is easier to make a decision or make plans: · The whole family got together to discuss funeral arrangements.· We never discuss our financial difficulties in front of the children.discuss what/how/where etc: · We need to discuss what kind of food we want at the party.discuss something with somebody: · Don't make any plans yet - I want to discuss this with Jamie first.
also speak with American to talk to someone about something serious or official: · Maybe it's time for you to speak to a lawyer.· The woman had come all the way from Denver to speak with the President.speak to about: · I intend to speak to the manager about the way I have been treated.· Have you spoken with Michael about the scheduling conflict?
to talk to someone seriously about something you have planned to discuss, especially about a problem or future plans: · Don and I had a long talk, and I think we understand each other better now.have a talk about: · I think it's time we had a talk about your future here in the company.have a talk with: · If this behavior continues, I'm going to have to have a little talk with her.· Someone should have a serious talk with Lucy about the amount of alcohol she drinks.
to talk to someone for a period of time about a serious subject: · The two leaders had a brief conversation yesterday.have a conversation with: · I've had conversations with several employers who say there are not enough qualified people to fill the jobs they have.have a conversation about: · We need to have a conversation with our lawyers about the will.
to talk to someone about all the details of a serious problem or difficult situation, in order to understand it better: talk something over: · If you're worried about your work, come and see me and we'll talk it over.talk over something: · I took him out to dinner so we could talk over the problem.talk something over with somebody: · It's often useful to talk things over with a trained counsellor.
to talk to someone quickly, and usually privately, about something serious: · His attitude got so bad his manager was forced to have a word with him.· Jim had a word with Mary, and she took the children out of the room.I'd like (to have) a word with you: · I'd like a word with you in private.
to have a private conversation in which two people both say honestly and sincerely what they feel about something personal: · Don't go in there right now - I think Dean and Carlo are having a heart-to-heart.have a heart-to-heart talk/a heart-to-heart with: · If you think your boss doesn't like you, have a heart-to-heart talk with her.
if two or more people who do the same work talk shop , they have a conversation about their work on a social occasion: · I don't want to go out to dinner with him and his lawyer friends - all they ever do is talk shop.
American informal to talk seriously and honestly about matters that need to be agreed, especially business matters: · OK, enough joking around - let's talk turkey.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Why don’t you have a heart-to-heart with him and sort out your problems?
a conversation in which two people say honestly and sincerely what they really feel about something: Why don’t you have a heart-to-heart with him and sort out your problems? Why don’t you have a heart-to-heart with him and sort out your problems?—heart-to-heart adjective: a heart-to-heart talk