(informal) to have some peace and quiet

to speak to, to talk to, to address, to accost [+ à (object)]

(figuratively) to go the distance, to cover the distance, to stay the course, to last the course

(informal) to make waves, to hit the headlines, to get oneself talked about, to be much talked about, to be the talk of the town

by the book, according to the rules

to hit the road (to begin traveling in an automobile or other road vehicle)

(informal) to shoot the breeze, to chew the fat, to chat

to make conversation

to ask for the right to speak, to ask for permission to speak, to ask to speak

(very informal, figuratively) to duff up, to beat up [+ à (someone)] / (reflexive, very informal, figuratively) to fail, to fall flat on one's face