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English Idioms about "Communication"

Talk the talk

English Idiom

Meaning: To speak confidently or persuasively about a subject, often suggesting expertise or familiarity. It's about using the right language and appearing knowledgeable, even if one may not necessarily follow through with actions.
Origin: The idiom 'Talk the talk' gained popularity in the latter half of the 20th century. It is often associated with the more complete phrase 'walk the walk and talk the talk', which implies that one should not only speak confidently about something but also back it up with actions. The phrase has military origins, where soldiers were expected to both talk about their duties and competently execute them.
Two men talking on a city street at sunset with a golden retriever and people sitting on benches in the background
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image

Examples

  • Despite his impressive presentation, it's clear he can talk the talk but struggles to deliver on his promises.
  • She can talk the talk in multiple languages, impressing everyone at the international conference.
  • The CEO may talk the talk about innovation, but the company's outdated practices tell a different story.
  • While he can talk the talk about healthy living, his lifestyle choices suggest otherwise.
  • Politicians often talk the talk during campaigns, but few follow through once elected.
  • Marketers need to talk the talk to create compelling campaigns that resonate with their audience.
  • He talks the talk about environmental sustainability, yet drives a gas-guzzling SUV.
  • To succeed in this industry, you must not only talk the talk but also prove your abilities with tangible results.
  • She talks the talk about equality, but her actions within the company don't always align with her words.
  • The professor talks the talk about cutting-edge research but has published very little in recent years.