EN · B2 · LEARN

Idioms: advice and perspective

New · 0 of 10

Understand each item before testing yourself. Choose honestly whether it already feels familiar or needs practice.

1 of 10Expression

actions speak louder than words

what people do matters more than what they say

Example

Promises are useful, but actions speak louder than words.

Vocabulary in this set

Use ten familiar sayings to give advice, evaluate choices, and explain consequences.

actions speak louder than words
Expression
what people do matters more than what they say
Promises are useful, but actions speak louder than words.
don't count your chickens before they hatch
Expression
do not assume success before it actually happens
The interview went well, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Expression
it is better to keep something certain than risk it for something better
I accepted the firm offer because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
don't put all your eggs in one basket
Expression
do not depend on only one plan or resource
Use several suppliers so you don't put all your eggs in one basket.
you can't judge a book by its cover
Expression
appearances do not tell you everything about a person or thing
The café looks plain, but you can't judge a book by its cover.
keep your eyes on the prize
Expression
stay focused on the result you want
Keep your eyes on the prize when the final stage becomes difficult.
out of the frying pan and into the fire
Expression
move from a bad situation into an even worse one
The rushed change took us out of the frying pan and into the fire.
the early bird catches the worm
Expression
people who act early often have the best chance of success
I applied on the first day because the early bird catches the worm.
you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs
Expression
worthwhile results sometimes require difficult or disruptive actions
The transition will be uncomfortable, but you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.
a picture is worth a thousand words
Expression
an image can communicate an idea more effectively than a long explanation
Add a diagram to the report—a picture is worth a thousand words.

Back to the English Practice Library

actions speak louder than words

Vocabulary in this set

actions speak louder than words

don't count your chickens before they hatch

a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

don't put all your eggs in one basket

you can't judge a book by its cover

keep your eyes on the prize

out of the frying pan and into the fire

the early bird catches the worm

you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs

a picture is worth a thousand words