all mouth and trousers
Meaning: Full of loud boasting and empty talk, lacking substance or follow-through.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: British slang; the image is of someone dressed up (trousers suggest formality) but with only mouth (talk) to show for it.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- turn on one's heel — To suddenly depart or walk away, often in a dramatic or dismissive manner.
- what's eating you — What is bothering or irritating you?
- old flame — A former romantic partner, especially one whose memory still stirs affection.
- at a pinch — In an urgent or difficult situation, when no better alternative is available or when reso…
- swallow one's pride — To set aside one's pride and accept a humbling situation or apology.
- see with half an eye — To perceive something obvious with very little effort or attention.
More English idioms
- sugarcoat the pill — To make something unpleasant more palatable or easier to accept.
- ace up one's sleeve — A hidden advantage or secret resource kept in reserve to use when needed.
- old fogey — An elderly person with old-fashioned or reactionary views.
- were you born in a tent — An admonishment to someone who has carelessly left a door open.
- rip it up — To perform with energy, excitement, and conspicuous success.
- anything goes — There are no rules, restrictions, or moral limits.
Loading the full interactive collection…