actions speak louder than words
Also found in: Acronyms.
actions speak louder than words
Actions are more revealing of one's true character since it is easy to say things or make promises, but it takes effort to do things and follow through. Paul made all sorts of promises when he was on the campaign trail. However, actions speak louder than words, so we'll see how many of those promises he actually keeps. Julie always says she'll donate to the school, and she never does, so I doubt she will this year. Actions speak louder than words, after all.
Actions speak louder than words.
Prov. Cliché What you do is more significant than what you say. You keep saying that you'll do your fair share of the housework. Remember that actions speak louder than words.
actions speak louder than words
What one does is more important than what one says, as in Politicians need to be reminded that actions speak louder than words. This statement, a proverb found in many languages, including ancient Greek, was first worded in precisely this way in English in Colonial Currency (1736). Also see all talk; do as I say, not as I do.
actions speak louder than words
If you say that actions speak louder than words, you mean that people show what they really think and feel by what they do, rather than by what they say. Tom, who's a shy chap at heart, firmly believes that actions speak louder than words and has, therefore, been demonstrating his love for Jean by taking her dog to the vet, washing her car each week, and decorating each room in her house. Things are still likely to get worse before they get better. If governments would like to prevent that, they had better understand that actions speak louder than words. Note: People often use this expression when they want to criticize someone who says one thing but does something else.