All talk Meaning in English
expression
ˈɔɫ/ /ˈtɔk
AWL TAWK
ˈɔːl/ /tˈɔːk
AWL TAWK
Definition
A phrase describing someone who talks a lot about doing things but never actually does them; someone who makes promises or claims but does not take action.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often critical or dismissive. Usually used to call out empty promises or lack of action, e.g., 'He's all talk.' Rarely used as a compliment. Common with negative tone.
Spanish: pura palabrería - solo habla - solo palabrasPortuguese (BR): só fala - só conversa - só papoPortuguese (PT): só conversa - só conversa fiadaChinese (Simplified): 光说不做 - 只会说Chinese (Traditional): 光說不做 - 只會說Hindi: सिर्फ़ बातें - बातें ही बातेंArabic: كلام فقط - مجرد كلامBengali: কথার মানুষ - ফাঁকা বুলিRussian: только на словах - язык без делаJapanese: 口だけ - 言うだけVietnamese: chỉ nói suôngKorean: 말만 많은 사람 - 말뿐인 사람Turkish: laf çok, icraat yok - sadece lafUrdu: صرف باتیں - عمل نہیںIndonesian: omong doang - cuma bicara
Example Sentences
He's all talk and never helps out.
basic
She promised to clean, but it was all talk.
basic
Don't be all talk; do something!
basic
He always brags about exercising, but honestly, he's all talk.
natural
You can tell who's serious and who's just all talk in this group.
natural
Don't listen to his promises—he's all talk and no action.
natural