Talking turkey is a commonly used phrase that means to start talking seriously about a particular topic. There are many different synonyms for this phrase, each with their own unique connotations and nuances. Some popular alternatives include "getting down to business," "cutting to the chase," "negotiating," "hashing out," "debating," and "discussing." Depending on the context, one of these synonyms may be more appropriate than the others. For example, "cutting to the chase" implies a sense of urgency or impatience, while "negotiating" suggests a potential compromise or deal-making. Regardless of which phrase is used, the goal is always the same: to communicate honestly and directly about an important topic.