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soapbox

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soapbox orator

One who makes an impassioned, impromptu speech. (Soapboxes were once commonly used as makeshift platforms for such speeches.) It seems like there's a soapbox orator on every corner in this city. Sorry, I couldn't hear you over that soapbox orator who's ranting about the government.

See also: soapbox

get on your soapbox

to start expressing strong opinions, especially about a subject that people are bored of hearing you speak about

Usage notes: A soapbox is a wooden box that people stood on in the past when they were making a speech in public.

It was that point in the evening when my father got on his soapbox and started lecturing us on the evils of the modern world.

See also: get, on, soapbox

on one's soapbox

Expressing one's views passionately or self-importantly, as in Dexter can't resist getting on his soapbox about school expenditures. This expression comes from the literal use of a soapbox as an improvised platform for a speaker, usually outdoors. [Mid-1600s]

See also: on, soapbox

on (one's) soapbox

Speaking one's views passionately or self-importantly.

See also: on, soapbox