Saying and doing are two things.
Meaning: Words cost nothing, but actions require commitment, effort, and genuine intention to fulfill promises.
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.
Equivalents in Italian
- Italian: Fare e dire son due cose (literally: Saying and doing are two things)
More proverbs about Communication
- If a man says little he thinks the more. — Silence often reflects deeper contemplation, while excessive speech betrays shallow reaso…
- He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. — Inheriting wealth from birth grants unearned advantages that others must struggle to achi…
- Better that the feet slip than the tongue. — A physical misstep heals quickly, but careless words cause lasting damage to relationship…
- Spare to speak and spare to spend. — Restraint in both words and money preserves resources and prevents regrettable waste.
- There is a time to speak as well as to be silent. — Knowing when to withhold words proves as valuable as knowing when to voice them.
- Many speak much that cannot speak well. — Verbose people often lack the clarity and wisdom that characterizes truly eloquent speech.
From our compliments & insults
- Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte — You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.
- Tu as une cervelle de moineau — You're scatterbrained and forgetful.
- Без царя в голове (Bez tsarya v golove) — Foolish and reckless — with no one in charge upstairs.