Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves.
Meaning: Actions produce tangible results while mere promises and talk leave nothing of substance behind.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Communication
- Wider ears and a shorter tongue. — Listening more than speaking prevents foolishness and builds wisdom through others' knowl…
- That which is easily done is soon believed. — Quick, effortless results breed credibility, while difficult achievements invite skeptici…
- Send a wise man on an errand and say nothing to him. — Trust competent people to understand their task without micromanagement or unnecessary ex…
- One eye-witness is better than ten hearsays. — Direct observation beats secondhand reports because eyewitnesses capture truth free from…
- God send me a friend that may tell me my faults; if not, an enemy, he will be sure to. — Criticism from friends teaches growth; enemies provide it regardless, so seek honest feed…
- Happy is he who knows his follies in his youth. — Self-awareness in youth allows course correction before mistakes become entrenched life p…
From our compliments & insults
- できる人 (dekiru hito) — Said of someone highly capable and impressive — the kind of person who makes things happe…
- 懐が深い (futokoro ga fukai) — You're broad-minded, generous of spirit, and able to embrace the complexity of others wit…
- Você é um amor — You're a sweetheart — warm, caring, and impossible not to like.