all mouth and trousers

Meaning: Full of loud boasting and empty talk, lacking substance or follow-through.

Example: “He boasts about running his own business one day, but he's all mouth and trousers.”

Origin: British slang; the image is of someone dressed up (trousers suggest formality) but with only mouth (talk) to show for it.

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.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

石頭 (Ishiatama) A stubborn, inflexible person who won't budge.
Tu as du chien You have a certain irresistible magnetism — a je-ne-sais-quoi that draws people in.
Tu as la tête sur les épaules You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.

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