talk the talk

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

talk the talk (third-person singular simple present talks the talk, present participle talking the talk, simple past and past participle talked the talk)

1. (idiomatic) To make statements that profess commitment, knowledgeability, or intended action (especially when the speaker's actual commitment, knowledge, or further action are in doubt).

   When it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he talks the talk, but it remains to be seen if he walks the walk.

   Some leaders only talk the talk but aren't prepared to take any risks.

   • 2020 December 2, Andy Byford talks to Paul Clifton, “I enjoy really big challenges...”, in Rail, page 55:

     Byford talks the talk, and he does it well.

Related terms

• walk the talk
• walk the walk

See also

• money talks, bullshit walks
• talk a good game