Actions speak louder than words

1. People are more impressed with our sincerity if we act on our beliefs than if we merely talk about them.

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

“The Board correctly determined that Erik Menendez’s actions speak louder than words, and that his conduct in prison and current mentality demonstrates that he still poses an unreasonable risk of danger to the community.”

From Los Angeles Times

"Actions speak louder than words and the actions have all been there. People are willing to believe it and put their trust in it," said one source.

From BBC

"All the boos are words, but actions speak louder than words," Paul said, telling the crowd to "shut up", with some expletives.

From BBC

Maybe Kennedy wants to give lip service to the MMR shot after attending the funeral of an unvaccinated victim of the Texas measles outbreak, but actions speak louder than words: earlier this month, dozens of free measles vaccine clinics were shuttered in Texas due to federal funding cuts.

From Salon

Trump has said that he’s “not touching” Social Security, but actions speak louder than words.

From Los Angeles Times