In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. Actions speak louder than words.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: What someone does means more than what they say they will do

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This question tests your knowledge of common English idioms. The expression actions speak louder than words is frequently used in everyday conversation, literature, and exams. It offers moral advice about judging people by what they actually do rather than what they claim or promise to do. To answer correctly, you must choose the alternative that captures this idea most accurately.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Idiom: Actions speak louder than words.
  • Four options offer different interpretations of this proverb.
  • We assume that the phrase is used in a general moral or practical sense, not in a specialised legal or philosophical sense.


Concept / Approach:

The core concept behind the idiom is that deeds carry more weight than speech. This means that if a person behaves in a certain way, that behaviour reveals more about their true character or intentions than any promises, excuses, or declarations. We need to find the option that directly states this contrast between doing and saying, without introducing unrelated ideas about weapons or the quality of words.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Restate the idiom in simple language: what people actually do shows more than what they merely say. Step 2: Examine option D: What someone does means more than what they say they will do. This matches the restated meaning very closely. Step 3: Option A, Achievers are better than those who talk big, is related but focuses on comparison between types of people instead of the general principle of deeds versus words. Step 4: Option B claims that no action can compensate for saying bad words, which distorts the message and brings in the idea of bad language. Step 5: Option C, A pen is mightier than a sword, is a completely different proverb that argues the power of writing or ideas over physical force. Step 6: Therefore, option D is the most accurate explanation of the idiom.


Verification / Alternative check:

Consider typical contexts where the idiom is used. A manager might say to an employee, Actions speak louder than words, meaning I will judge you by your work, not your promises. A parent might tell a child that saying sorry is not enough unless behaviour changes. In each case, the focus is on the superior importance of what is done. Option D is consistent with all these uses, while other options only partially capture or completely miss the core idea.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A is partly related but is narrower, since it contrasts achievers and talkers rather than giving a general rule about deeds and words.

Option B is wrong because it introduces a new idea about bad words and suggests that words are more powerful, which is the opposite of the idiom.

Option C is a separate proverb with a different meaning and cannot be accepted here.


Common Pitfalls:

Candidates sometimes pick an option that seems morally positive without checking if it truly parallels the proverb. Another pitfall is confusion between different well known sayings. To avoid this, always translate the idiom into your own plain language and then match that translation with the options.


Final Answer:

The idiom Actions speak louder than words means what someone does means more than what they say they will do.

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