Mrs Sprat does talk (4,3,3)

I believe the answer is:

chew the fat

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'talk' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for chew the fat that I've seen before include "Jack Sprat wouldn't" , "Argue incessantly" , "Chat casually" , "as Mrs Sprat was wont to?" , "Mistress Sprat liked to?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app