What does “Easier said than done” mean?
"Easier said than done" means that something is more difficult to do than to talk about.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always gives advice, but it's easier said than done to actually follow it.
Example
I know I should exercise more, but it's easier said than done to find the time.
Example
Everyone says they want to save money, but it's easier said than done when there are so many temptations
Is “Easier said than done” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Easier said than done” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Easier said than done” effectively in context?
You can use "Easier said than done" to express the idea that talking about doing something is much easier than actually doing it. It emphasizes the difficulty of a task and suggests that it should not be underestimated. For example, if someone keeps saying they'll start exercising but hasn't taken any action, you might say, 'You keep saying you'll start exercising, but easier said than done. It's harder than you think.'
- 1Setting Goals
She had big dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur, but she soon realized that building a business from scratch was easier said than done.
- 2Problem Solving
He thought fixing the broken computer would be a simple task, but he quickly discovered that it was easier said than done.
- 3Managing Emotions
People often advise others to 'just relax' or 'stop worrying,' but letting go of stress and anxiety is easier said than done.
Similar phrases to “Easier said than done”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Easier said than done” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Easier said than done" is unknown.
Is “Easier said than done” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Easier said than done" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to acknowledge the challenges and difficulties involved in turning words into actions.
What tone does “Easier said than done” have?
"Easier said than done" conveys a tone of realism and acknowledgment of the complexities of life. It is often used to temper idealistic or simplistic statements and highlight the practical difficulties of achieving certain goals or tasks.
Can “Easier said than done” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "easier said than done" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of the gap between words and actions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Starting a new business is easier said than done.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Easier said than done!' to imply the difficulty of a task.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- harder to do than to say
- more easily talked about than accomplished
- not as simple as it sounds
- challenging in practice
- not as straightforward as it seems
Antonyms
- straightforward
- piece of cake
- easy to do
- simple to accomplish
- no problem
