Explaining "Talk is cheap"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 01/10/2024, 09:38

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "Talk is cheap" means that it is easy to say you will do something, but not as easy to actually do it. Actions speak louder than words.

Tone

Skeptical

Origin

The phrase "Talk is cheap" is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It reflects the idea that words are not as valuable as deeds.

Examples of usage

He keeps promising to help, but talk is cheap.
She told me she would support the project, but talk is cheap—I need her to actually contribute.