Learn the English Proverb: Action speaks louder than words

The proverb discussed here describes a situation where someone talks about doing something but never actually does it.

• It is better to do something rather than just talking.
• What you do carries more weight than what you say.
• Doing something is better than just talking about it.
• Actual deeds matter more than stated intentions.
• Actions are more important than words.
• People judge by actions, not promises—practice what you preach.
• What someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.
• Actions reveal true character—it’s easy to speak, but hard to act.

Beth: I can’t understand some words in election campaigns that candidates say to win votes.
James: Most of them just care about political power.
Beth: But I don’t think they’ll succeed by just talking.
James: You’re right. Actually, their actions speak louder than their words.

This example shows that candidates need real achievements—not just promises—to earn trust. James uses the proverb to highlight that deeds matter more than speeches.

Oxford: What someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.

Cambridge: What you do is more important than what you say, because your actions show your true intentions and feelings.

Macmillan: It’s used to say that what you do is more important than what you say you will do.

Longman: It’s used to say that people judge you by what you do, not by what you say.

This is an ancient proverb found in many languages, including Greek. The earliest English record dates to 1736 in A.M. Davis’ Colonial Currency: “Actions speak louder than words, and are more to be regarded.” Some sources trace similar phrasing back to 1692 (“actions are more sufficient than words”).

People often use this phrase to call out hypocrisy—when someone says one thing but does another. The “words” here refer not just to speech, but to promises and claims. True intentions show through actions, not statements.

• Angela always says she’ll donate but never does—actions speak louder than words.
• He believes actions speak louder than words, even if no one expects him to win.
• Trump made many campaign promises, but actions speak louder than words—we’ll see what he delivers.
• You keep forgetting to help me study. I believe actions speak louder than words!
• Be mindful of your behavior at home—your kids imitate you because actions speak louder than words.
• The captain led by example—actions spoke louder than words—and inspired his team to victory.
• Do politicians know that actions speak louder than words? They talk but rarely act.
• Don’t just talk about success—act on it. Remember: actions speak louder than words.
• A true leader shows the way, not just tells—because actions speak louder than words.