Actions speak louder than words

Meaning

The idiom "actions speak louder than words" means that what someone does is more important than what they say they will do. It suggests that people often make promises or declarations, but these words are not as significant as actually following through on those promises. The phrase can also imply that people's actions reveal their true intentions and character better than their words ever could.

Usage

• "When it comes to supporting the cause, actions speak louder than words." - This sentence emphasizes the importance of actual participation in a cause rather than just declaring support.
• "Despite his words of apology, he failed to make amends for his past mistakes." - In this case, the person's actions (or lack thereof) were more telling than their spoken regret.
• "I never trust someone who promises a lot but doesn't deliver on their promises." - This person believes that actions are a better indicator of someone's true intentions than what they say.
• "The best way to show love is through actions, not just words." - This sentence suggests that showing affection through deeds is more meaningful than simply saying it.
• "After making several public declarations about his commitment to the environment, he was exposed for his inconsistency in living up to those promises." - This example highlights how someone's actions can reveal their true beliefs even if they previously expressed different ones.

Roots and History

The phrase "actions speak louder than words" has its roots in medieval literature. One of the earliest known uses of the phrase is found in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales." In one of the tales, a character named Summoner says, "For actions speketh more truth than words." This suggests that the idiom may have originated as a proverb or saying in medieval England. Over time, the phrase has become a common expression used to emphasize the importance of following through on promises and actions over simply making declarations. It has been used in various contexts, including personal relationships, business transactions, and political discourse.

Synonyms in English

• "Deeds not words"
• "Actions speak louder than promises"
• "What you do is more important than what you say"
• "Actions tell the truth better than words"
• "Following through on commitments"

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "L'action parle mieux que les mots."
• Spanish: "Acciones hablan más fuerte que palabras."
• German: "Taten sprechen lauter als Worte."
• Italian: "Le azioni parlano più forti delle parole."
• Japanese: "行為は言葉より深い。"

Similar Idioms

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