talk a big game
Meaning(s)
1. speak convincingly about your ability to do something
Popularity
Medium
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
he talks a big game, but can't back it up
Analysis
To ‘talk a big game’ or ‘talk a good game’ means to talk convincingly about your abilities or make people believe things about you that are often false or overstated. The implication with ‘you talk a big game’ is that you don’t really believe what the person is telling you. This is a very casual expression best suited to social situations but you may hear it in professional contexts also.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Sarah is very confident about her sporting talent, and certainly can talk a big game, but what makes her stand out is her ability to back it up when put to the test.
- That wrestler talks a big game before a fight, but it remains to be seen if he can back it up.
- You talk a big game, would you like the opportunity to prove yourself right?
Professional Examples (Basic)
- The truth of the matter is that Frank likes to talk a big game, but when it comes down to it, his sales record simply isn't good enough.
- Eddie talked a big game, but when the pressure was on to finish the project before the deadline; he just couldn't deliver.