Put up or shut up

Pro Tip 1/3

Challenge Issued

Used to throw down a gauntlet, requesting action rather than words.

During the debate, the candidate said to his opponent, 'It's time to put up or shut up about your plans.'

Pro Tip 2/3

Confrontational Tone

Implies frustration or impatience with someone's inaction or empty bragging.

Stop boasting about beating me at chess and put up or shut up!

Pro Tip 3/3

Informal Context

Appropriate in casual situations among friends or in sports, not in formal settings.

At the poker game, he was challenged to 'put up or shut up' as the stakes rose.