Saying and doing are two things.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Saying and doing are two things.” mean?

"Saying and doing are two things" means that there is often a difference between what people say they will do and what they actually do. It implies that actions speak louder than words.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He promised to help me move, but saying and doing are two things. He never showed up.

Example

She always talks about going to the gym, but saying and doing are two things. She never actually goes.

Example

I've learned that saying and doing are two things. People can make all the promises they want, but it's their actions that matter

Is “Saying and doing are two things.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Saying and doing are two things.” 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 “Saying and doing are two things.” effectively in context?

You can use "Saying and doing are two things" to highlight the importance of actions over words. It emphasizes that people's actions often reveal their true intentions or character. For example, if someone promises to help you but never shows up, you might say, 'Well, saying and doing are two things.'

• 1. Friendship

  She always talks about being there for me, but saying and doing are two things. She never actually supports me when I need it.

• 2. Work

  He keeps promising to finish his tasks on time, but saying and doing are two things. He always falls behind schedule.

• 3. Relationships

  He says he loves me, but saying and doing are two things. His actions don't match his words.

Similar phrases to “Saying and doing are two things.”:

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say

Example

He keeps promising to change, but actions speak louder than words.

Put your money where your mouth is

To back up your words with actions or financial support

Example

If you think it's a good idea, why don't you put your money where your mouth is?

Walk the talk

To do what one says or advocates for

Example

If you want to be a leader, you need to walk the talk.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Saying and doing are two things.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Saying and doing are two things" is unknown.

Is “Saying and doing are two things.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Saying and doing are two things" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to express skepticism or disappointment when someone's actions don't align with their words.

What tone does “Saying and doing are two things.” have?

"Saying and doing are two things" conveys a tone of skepticism or disappointment. It suggests that words alone are not enough and that actions are what truly matter.

Can “Saying and doing are two things.” be used in informal and formal settings?

This proverb is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, professional discussions, or even written 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, 'He promised to help, but "saying and doing are two things". He never showed up.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"Saying and doing are two things"!' to express disappointment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• talk is cheap
• deeds are more important than words
• promises are empty without actions
• actions reveal true intentions

Antonyms

• words are enough
• talk is everything
• promises are sufficient
• actions don't matter