PhrasesHub

Walk the walk

    Definitions

      • to act on one's words
        To do what one said they would do, to follow through on promises or statements made

      • to prove oneself
        To demonstrate through actions that one is capable, reliable, or genuine

    Examples of Walk the walk

    • The new CEO of the company has been talking about implementing new policies, but some employees are skeptical. They argue that the CEO needs to "walk the walk" and lead by example, rather than just "talking the talk."

      The phrase "walk the walk" is used to describe someone who not only talks about their ideas and beliefs, but also follows through with action. In this context, the employees are saying that the CEO's actions should match their words, as this will help to gain the trust and respect of the team. They are implying that mere words are not enough to inspire change or influence others, and that leadership requires both talk and action.

    • Jane has been talking a lot about starting her own business, but until she actually takes the necessary steps and puts in the effort to make it a reality, she's just talking the talk. Jane needs to walk the walk and take action if she wants to succeed as an entrepreneur.

      The phrase "walk the walk" is a figurative expression that means to back up words with actions. In other words, it's about putting one's money where their mouth is. In Jane's case, she's been discussing her plans for starting a business, but until she takes the necessary steps and takes action, she's only talking about it. If she wants to become a successful entrepreneur, she'll need to walk the walk and take meaningful action.

    • During the speech, the politician promised to address the issue of income inequality, but many of his constituents are skeptical that he'll follow through. If the politician wants to avoid being seen as all talk and no action, he'll need to walk the walk and take concrete steps to address income inequality.

      The phrase "walk the walk" is commonly used to criticize people who make lofty promises but fail to deliver. In this example, the politician made a commitment to address income inequality, but his constituents are skeptical that he'll follow through. If the politician wants to avoid being seen as a hypocrite, he'll need to walk the walk and take concrete steps to address income inequality.

    • The coach demanded that her players stop talking and start walking the walk. She was tired of hearing empty promises and wanted her team to put their words into action.

      The phrase "walk the walk" can be used in a variety of contexts to encourage people to take action instead of just talking about it. In this example, the coach grew tired of her players' empty promises and demanded that they start walking the walk. She wanted her team to move beyond idle chatter and take concrete steps to improve their performance.

    • John promised that he would find a way to repay the money he owed his friend, but after several weeks, his friend grew tired of waiting and demanded that John walk the walk and make good on his promise.

      The phrase "walk the walk" can also be used to hold people accountable for their promises. In this example, John made a promise to repay his friend, but he failed to follow through. After several weeks, his friend grew tired of waiting and demanded that John walk the walk and make good on his promise. In other words, his friend wanted John to put his words into action and pay back the money he owed.

    • The candidate talked a big game during the debate, but now it's time for her to actually "walk the walk" and make a difference in office.

      This idiom is used to mean that it's one thing to talk about doing something, but it's another thing entirely to actually follow through and do it. The candidate's promises during the debate will mean nothing if she doesn't take action once she's in office.

    • He's been training for months and now he's ready to "walk the walk" and compete in the marathon.

      This usage of the idiom is more literal, but it still carries the same meaning. The person has been preparing for the marathon and now it's time for him to actually complete the race and put his training to the test.

    • The CEO promised that the company would be more environmentally friendly, but until they "walk the walk" and make real changes, I'm skeptical.

      This usage of the idiom is being used to criticize someone for making empty promises. Until the company takes concrete action to reduce its environmental impact, the CEO's words are meaningless.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "walk the walk" can be used to either encourage someone to follow through on their words or to prove themselves through their actions.

    In the first meaning, it is used to advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. In the second meaning, it is used to encourage someone to demonstrate their capabilities or genuineness through their actions.

    Overall, "walk the walk" is a versatile idiom that can be used to either discourage or encourage someone, depending on the context.

    Origin of "Walk the walk"

    The origin of the idiom "walk the walk" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated from the longer phrase "talk the talk and walk the walk," which emphasizes the importance of not only speaking about doing something but also following through with actions.

    The idiom gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has since become a common phrase in English-speaking countries. It is often used in motivational or self-improvement contexts to encourage individuals to back up their words with actions. Overall, the origin of "walk the walk" highlights the importance of demonstrating one's intentions through their behavior. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.