What does “Put your money where your mouth is” mean?

"Put your money where your mouth is" means to take action or show evidence of your beliefs or statements.

What context can I use the in?

Example

If you think you can do better, put your money where your mouth is and show us.

Example

He's always talking about how he can beat anyone in a race, but he never puts his money where his mouth is.

Example

It's easy to criticize, but can you put your money where your mouth is and come up with a better solution

Is “Put your money where your mouth is” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put your money where your mouth is” 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 “Put your money where your mouth is” effectively in context?

You can use "Put your money where your mouth is" to challenge someone to back up their words with actions or evidence. It implies that if someone claims they can do something or have a certain belief, they should be willing to prove it by taking action or providing evidence. For example, if a friend is boasting about their cooking skills, you might say, 'If you think you can do better, put your money where your mouth is and show us.'

1Sports
He's always talking about how he can beat anyone in a race, but he never puts his money where his mouth is.
2Debates or Discussions
It's easy to criticize, but can you put your money where your mouth is and come up with a better solution?
3Competitions
If you think you're the best, put your money where your mouth is and enter the contest.

Similar phrases to “Put your money where your mouth is”:

Walk the talk

To back up one's words with actions

Example

If you want to be a leader, you need to walk the talk and lead by example.

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say

Example

Instead of making promises, show me what you can do. Actions speak louder than words.

Prove your worth

To demonstrate one's value or abilities

Example

If you want to be considered for the promotion, you need to prove your worth.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put your money where your mouth is” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put your money where your mouth is" is unknown.

Is “Put your money where your mouth is” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put your money where your mouth is" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to challenge someone to back up their claims or beliefs with action or evidence.

What tone does “Put your money where your mouth is” have?

"Put your money where your mouth is" conveys a tone of challenge and skepticism. It is often used to question someone's credibility or to encourage them to prove themselves.

Can “Put your money where your mouth is” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Put your money where your mouth is" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that challenges someone to back up their words with actions or evidence. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as debates, discussions, or professional settings.

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, 'If you think you can do better, put your money where your mouth is and show us.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put your money where your mouth is"!' to imply the need for action or evidence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

back up your words
show us what you've got
walk the walk
demonstrate your claims
substantiate your statements

Antonyms

empty talk
all talk and no action
hollow promises
lack of action
failure to back up words