a verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on

A humorous phrase emphasizing the lack of value and reliability in an oral contract. Typically attributed to 20th-century movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn, though the phrase is likely a misquote. Get everything in writing, Jean. How many times do I have to tell you—a verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on. Of course the boss is backpedaling after telling you you'd get a raise—a verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on! My dad was a lawyer, and one of his big axioms was, "A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it's written on."

See also: contract, on, paper, verbal, worth, written

verbal assault

Very hostile speech directed at someone. Don't talk to Stan today—I just tried to ask him a simple question, and I got a verbal assault. A: "Why are you crying?" B: "The professor gave me a verbal assault in the middle of my presentation."

verbal diarrhea

Babbling, longwinded talk; inane and lengthy chatter. Primarily heard in US. I get so nervous when I go out on dates that I always start getting verbal diarrhea and sounding like a fool.