Speech Idioms and What They Mean
Speech idioms help us talk about what people say — and sometimes what they don’t say. These expressions use the idea of talking, speaking, or staying quiet in creative ways. Here are 12 speech idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Talk is cheap
It’s easy to say something, but doing it is harder.
He said he’d help, but talk is cheap.
Talk is cheap—show me you mean it.
Speak of the devil
Used when the person you were talking about appears.
Speak of the devil—we were just talking about you!
Speak of the devil, here comes the teacher now.
Mum’s the word
Keep it a secret.
Don’t tell anyone—mum’s the word.
I know the surprise, but mum’s the word.
Eat your words
To admit you were wrong.
He had to eat his words when she proved him wrong.
I said they’d lose, but I ate my words after they won.
Bite your tongue
To stop yourself from saying something.
I wanted to complain, but I bit my tongue.
She bit her tongue instead of arguing.
Put your money where your mouth is
Do something instead of just talking about it.
If you believe it, put your money where your mouth is.
He always talks—now it’s time to put his money where his mouth is.
Talk a blue streak
To talk very quickly and a lot.
She talked a blue streak about her trip.
He talks a blue streak when he’s nervous.
Speak volumes
To show a lot without saying much.
Her face spoke volumes—she was upset.
His silence spoke volumes about how he felt.
Speak your mind
To say what you really think.
Don’t be shy—speak your mind.
She always speaks her mind, even if people don’t agree.
Talk someone’s ear off
To talk too much or too long.
He talked my ear off about football.
Don’t call her—she’ll talk your ear off.
Small talk
Light or casual conversation.
We made small talk while waiting.
I’m not great at small talk with strangers.
Big mouth
Someone who talks too much or tells secrets.
Don’t tell him—he’s got a big mouth.
I told her a secret, but her big mouth ruined the surprise.
