action

Actions speak louder than words.

something that you say which means that what you do is more important than what you say. Of course the government have made all sorts of promises but as we all know, actions speak louder than words.

See also: speak, word

be all talk (and no action)

if someone is all talk, they often talk about doing something brave or exciting but never do it. He's always saying that he's going to leave and get another job but he'll never do it. He's all talk.

See also: all, talk

be out of action

1. if a machine or vehicle is out of action, it is not working or cannot be used. I'm afraid the TV's out of action.

2. if someone who plays sport is out of action, they are injured and cannot play. Towers is out of action with a broken wrist.

fight a rearguard action

to try very hard to prevent something from happening when it is probably too late to prevent it. The unions were fighting a rearguard action against the government's attempt to strip them of their powers. (often + against)

See also: fight

a piece/slice of the action (informal)

being involved in something successful that someone else started. Now research has proved that the new drug is effective, everyone wants a piece of the action.

See also: piece, slice

put someone out of action

be out of action - if someone who plays sport is out of action, they are injured and cannot play. A bad fall put him out of action for 2 months.

put something out of action

be out of action - if a machine or vehicle is out of action, it is not working or cannot be used. The freezing weather has put many trains out of action.

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actions speak louder than words

what someone does is more important than what someone says. You have to prepare for what your opponents could do, not what they say they'll do, because actions speak louder than words.

See also: speak, word

in action

active or working. It was interesting to see the UN in action. They could make better ESL books if they observed students in action.

out of action

not able to work or be active. That accident forced my boss out of action for almost a month.

Usage notes: also said of machines or systems: The explosion put the ship out of action.

a piece of the action

a share of the profits or advantages that come from an activity. He agreed to run the golf course for $15,000 a year and a piece of the action.

See also: piece

take action

1. to do something. Travelers want the airlines to take action to make flying safer and more comfortable.

2. to begin legal activity against someone. Today, the environmental group took action in federal court against the mining companies.

See also: take