Talk the talk
phrase
To talk about something confidently, especially without having the necessary skills or qualities to support the confidence.
He claims that he is an expert in digital marketing. However, only time will tell whether he can walk the walk, or just talk the talk.
Often appears as...
- can only talk the talk
- he talks the talk
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
phrase
To speak effectively about a subject, showing a thorough understanding.
The seminar presenter was able to talk the talk about renewable energy sources.
Often appears as...
- knows how to talk the talk
- talks the talk confidently
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
phrase
To talk about something confidently, especially without having the necessary skills or qualities to support the confidence.
He claims that he is an expert in digital marketing. However, only time will tell whether he can walk the walk, or just talk the talk.
Often appears as...
- can only talk the talk
- he talks the talk
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
phrase
To speak effectively about a subject, showing a thorough understanding.
The seminar presenter was able to talk the talk about renewable energy sources.
Often appears as...
- knows how to talk the talk
- talks the talk confidently
Usage tips
Colloquial,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Warning
Use 'talk the talk' in casual situations, but avoid it in formal writing or speeches.
He can talk the talk among friends, but struggles in official meetings.
Pro Tip 2/3Overconfidence Nuance
The phrase often suggests someone lacks the ability their words imply.
She talks the talk, but her performance doesn't match her boastfulness.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincerity Questioned
It can be used skeptically, to doubt if someone will deliver on their promises.
We've heard him talk the talk before, but will he deliver?
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Warning
Use 'talk the talk' in casual situations, but avoid it in formal writing or speeches.
He can talk the talk among friends, but struggles in official meetings.
Pro Tip 2/3Overconfidence Nuance
The phrase often suggests someone lacks the ability their words imply.
She talks the talk, but her performance doesn't match her boastfulness.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincerity Questioned
It can be used skeptically, to doubt if someone will deliver on their promises.
We've heard him talk the talk before, but will he deliver?
Pro Tip 1/3Colloquial Warning
Use 'talk the talk' in casual situations, but avoid it in formal writing or speeches.
He can talk the talk among friends, but struggles in official meetings.
Pro Tip 2/3Overconfidence Nuance
The phrase often suggests someone lacks the ability their words imply.
She talks the talk, but her performance doesn't match her boastfulness.
Pro Tip 3/3Sincerity Questioned
It can be used skeptically, to doubt if someone will deliver on their promises.
We've heard him talk the talk before, but will he deliver?
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