talk is cheap

talk is cheap

It is very easy to talk about what one is going to do or what the correct course of action is, but it is much harder one actually puts those words into action. A: "I just need a little more time, and I can fix this whole mess—I swear!" B: "Talk is cheap, Bill. If you don't have this sorted out by Friday, you're fired." You keep saying you're going to start eating better and getting in shape, but talk is cheap.

See also: cheap, talk

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Talk is cheap.

Prov. It is easier to say you will do something than to actually do it. (Saying this in response to someone who promises you something implies that you do not believe that person will keep the promise.) My boss keeps saying she'll give me a raise, but talk is cheap. You've been promising me a new dishwasher for five years now. Talk is cheap.

See also: cheap, talk

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.