The idiom "saying is one thing, doing is another" means that talk and action are two different things, and talk does not guarantee action. It is easy to say something or make a promise, but it takes much more effort and commitment actually to do it.

In short:

• It means that words and deeds are not the same, and words do not always lead to deeds.
• It implies that words are cheap and actions are more valuable.

What Does "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another" Mean?

It implies that words and deeds are different things. This means that saying something or promising something does not mean it will be done. It is much easier to speak than to act. The idiom shows that actions are more trustworthy and valuable than words.

Where Does "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "saying is one thing, doing is another" is unclear. However, it seems to have come from an ancient Latin proverb that says "dictum factum," which means "said and done." This proverb was used to praise someone who did what they said they would do or to express confidence in someone's ability or reliability.

Historical Example

The earliest recorded use of the idiom "saying is one thing, doing is another" in English dates back to the 16th century. For example, in 1562, the English poet Thomas Tusser wrote in his book A Hundreth Good Pointes of Husbandrie:

"Some say good farming depends on manuring, Some say on plowing and sowing good seed, Some say on shearing and selling good wool, Some say on spending as little as possible, But saying and doing are not the same thing, As many good farmers can prove by their deeds."

10 Examples of "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• He always says he will quit smoking but still does. Real talk: Saying is one thing, doing is another, indeed.
• She said she would help me, but saying is one thing, doing is another. She didn't show up.
• Yoink. He claims he can run faster than me, but saying is one thing, doing is another. Let's see what he can do.
• She promised to pay you, but saying is one thing, doing is another. Don't get your hopes up too soon.
• He said he would fix the leaky faucet, but saying is one thing, doing is another. It's been two weeks, and the faucet is still dripping.
• She said she would support my decision, but saying is one thing, doing is another. She ended up criticizing me afterward.
• He said he would be more faithful, but saying is one thing, doing is another. What he said was meaningless as he cheated again.
• She said she would buckle down for the exam, but saying is one thing, doing is another. She spent all night surfing the net.
• He said he would donate some money to the charity, but saying is one thing, doing is another. He hasn't sent anything as of late.
• She said she would join us for an evening out, but saying is one thing, doing is another. She canceled at the last minute.

Examples of "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the 1994 movie Forrest Gump, Forrest tells Jenny, "You said you'd always be my girl." Jenny replies: "Forrest, you don't know what love is." Forrest says, "I may not be smart, but I know what love is. You can't just say you love me and then leave me. Saying and doing are two different things."
• In the 2012 book The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling, she writes: "He had been so sure that he was in the right that he had not been able to imagine how his words would sound to her; how they would sound spoken aloud. Saying was one thing; doing was quite another."
• In the 2016 TV show Stranger Things, season 1 episode 8, Mike tells Eleven, "It means something everywhere." Eleven says: "Not where I come from. Saying and doing are different things." Mike then says: "Well, not here. Not with us."

Other/Different Ways to Say "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another"

Here are some synonyms or alternative expressions for this idiom:

• Actions speak louder than words
• Talk is cheap
• Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk
• Put your money where your mouth is
• Practice what you preach
• Words are wind

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "saying is one thing, doing is another" mean?

The idiom "saying is one thing, doing is another" means that talk and action are two different things, and talk does not guarantee action. It is easy to say something or make a promise, but it takes much more effort and commitment actually to do it.

• What is the origin of the phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another"?

The origin of the idiom "saying is one thing, doing is another" is unclear. However, it seems to have come from an ancient Latin proverb that says "dictum factum," which means "said and done."

• What are some synonyms for "saying is one thing, doing is another"?

Some synonyms for this phrase are "action speaks louder than words," "talk is cheap," "don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk," "put your money where your mouth is," and "practice what you preach."

• How can I use the phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another" in a sentence?
  

You can use the phrase to express doubt, skepticism, or disappointment in someone's words or promises.

• How can I learn more about "saying is one thing, doing is another"?

You can learn more about the phrase by reading books, articles, or blogs explaining their meanings and origins, watching videos or podcasts demonstrating their usage and pronunciation, or joining online forums or groups discussing and sharing them.

• How can I avoid using "saying is one thing, doing is another" in a negative way?

You can avoid using the phrase in a negative way by giving people the benefit of the doubt, being patient and understanding, and acknowledging their efforts and achievements.

• How can I respond to someone who says, "saying is one thing, doing is another," to challenge or criticize me?

You can respond to someone who uses the phrase to challenge or criticize you by showing them evidence or results of your actions, explaining your reasons or difficulties, or accepting their feedback and improving yourself.

• How can I compliment someone who uses the phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another" to show their commitment or integrity?

You can compliment someone who uses the phrase to show their commitment or integrity by praising their actions, expressing your gratitude or admiration, or rewarding them with something they value.

• How can I teach someone the meaning and usage of the phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another"?

You can teach someone the meaning and usage of the phrase by giving them examples, asking them questions, or playing games with them.

• How can I practice using the phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another" and other idioms or proverbs?

You can practice using the phrase and other idioms or proverbs by writing sentences or stories that include them, speaking or recording yourself using them in conversations or dialogues, or playing games or quizzes that test your knowledge and skills.

Final Thoughts About "Saying Is One Thing Doing Is Another"

The phrase "saying is one thing, doing is another" is a common and valuable idiom that reminds us of the importance of actions over words. It can express doubt, skepticism, or disappointment in someone's words or promises or show commitment, integrity, or achievement in someone's actions.

Key points about this idiom:

• It has a long history that can be traced back to a Latin proverb.
• It has many synonyms that convey the same or similar meaning.
• The phrase can be used in various contexts and situations.