English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
All bark and no bite
Meaning
The idiom "all bark and no bite" refers to someone or something that is all talk but lacks substance. It suggests a lack of action or follow-through, and can be used to describe people who are overly critical or negative without providing any constructive feedback or solutions. The phrase is often used as a warning against trusting someone or something too readily based solely on their appearance or words.
Usage
- "Despite his tough exterior, John was all bark and no bite when it came to actually getting things done."
- "I've been told that he's all bark and no bite, but I'm willing to give him a chance before making my own judgment."
- "The new CEO promised big changes, but after six months in office, it looks like she's all bark and no bite."
- "He's always quick to criticize others without offering any constructive feedback, making him all bark and no bite."
- "We need to be careful not to trust someone who's all bark and no bite – we need concrete actions to back up their words."
Roots and History
The idiom "all bark and no bite" has been in use since at least the 18th century, with the earliest known uses dating back to the 1760s. It is believed to have originated from the idea of a dog that barks loudly but doesn't actually bite or attack when confronted with an enemy. Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer not just to animals, but to any situation where someone or something promises more than they deliver.
Synonyms in English
- "All talk and no action"
- "All words and no deeds"
- "All promise and no performance"
- "All flash and no substance"
- "All show and no go"
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "Todo llanto y nada sufrido" (All crying and nothing suffered)
- French - "Tout parler et rien faire" (All talk and nothing do)
- German - "Alles sprechen und nichts tun" (Everything speak and nothing do)
- Italian - "Tutto parlare e niente fare" (All talking and nothing doing)
- Chinese - "说得很多，做得很少" (Say a lot, do little)