all talk and no cider: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘all talk and no cider’ mean?
The idiom all talk and no cider means that someone talks a lot but doesn't take action or deliver on their promises.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "lead nowhere" means that a situation or action has no positive outcome or result. It implies that the efforts put into something are futile and will not lead to any productive or useful outcome.
The idiom "kick at the can" means to make a futile attempt or try but not achieve anything significant.
The idiom "jive turkey" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is not trustworthy or who speaks insincerely.
The idiom "go nowhere fast" means to make no progress or achieve no results despite putting in a lot of effort or time.
The idiom "go nowhere" means to make no progress or to have no effect. It can be used to describe a situation, a plan, or a person's actions that are unproductive or leading to no meaningful outcome.
The idiom "get wind in one's jaws" means to talk excessively or for a long time about something, often without substance or relevance.
The idiom "full of hot air" means someone who talks a lot but doesn't say anything of substance or value. It refers to someone who is not trustworthy or reliable in their words or promises.
The idiom "flap one's gums" means to talk incessantly or to speak aimlessly without saying anything of substance. It implies that the person is talking too much without making any meaningful contribution to the conversation. This idiom is often used in a negative or dismissive manner, suggesting that the person is wasting time or just indulging in empty chatter.
The idiom "easier said than done" means that something is much more difficult to accomplish than it sounds or appears to be.
Silent Syrup
The idioms "all mouth and no trousers", "all mouth and trousers", "all bark and no bite", and "all hat and no cowboy" are related to the idiom "all talk and no cider". These idioms share a similar meaning, which is someone who talks a lot but does not back up their words with action or substance.
"All mouth and no trousers" is a British variation of the idiom and is commonly used in British English. The phrase "all mouth" means someone who talks a big game but does not have the skills or abilities to back it up. The addition of "and no trousers" adds a playful and somewhat absurd element to the idiom. It suggests that the person not only lacks action but also lacks the necessary attire (trousers) to support their claims.
"All mouth and trousers" is another variation of the idiom that is sometimes used in British English. This variation is similar to "all mouth and no trousers" but omits the word "no". The phrase "all mouth and trousers" still conveys the idea of someone who talks a lot but fails to follow through with their words. It may be used to criticize or mock someone who is all talk and no substance.
"All bark and no bite" is an American idiom that has a similar meaning to "all talk and no cider". The phrase compares a person's words (bark) to their actions (bite). Someone who is "all bark and no bite" talks aggressively or threateningly but fails to back up their words with any real action. This idiom can be used to describe someone who makes a lot of empty threats or boasts but does not actually follow through with anything.
"All hat and no cowboy" is another American variation of the idiom that conveys a similar meaning. The phrase suggests that someone may have all the appearance or outward signs of being a cowboy (wearing a hat), but lacks the skills or abilities to actually be one. This idiom is often used to describe someone who puts on a show or tries to present themselves as something they are not, but fails to deliver on their claims or promises.
These related idioms highlight the common theme of someone who talks a lot or presents themselves in a certain way, but lacks the substance or action to back it up. Whether it be through humorous alterations, creative wordplay, or cultural variations, these idioms serve as reminders of the importance of following through with one's words and living up to one's claims.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "all talk and no cider" can be used in a sentence:
- She always talks about starting her own business, but so far it's been all talk and no cider.
- He talks a big game about being a great cook, but when it comes to actually preparing a meal, he's all talk and no cider.
- They promised to help with the project, but it turned out to be all talk and no cider.
More "Colloquial" idioms
