English Reference
Idiom idiom

big talk


Statements which are boastful or exaggerated.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Don't listen to his big talk about winning the game.

CONTEXTUAL

He promised to finish the project in one day, but it was just big talk.

COMPLEX

Despite his big talk regarding his vast experience, he struggled to complete even the most basic tasks during the interview.


The term shares a construction with the Old English micelsprecende, literally "much speaking," used to denote boasting. The modern iteration follows the same pattern of equating physical scale or volume with the act of verbal self-aggrandisement.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all talk and no cider

    All talk and no results.

  2. 02

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  3. 03

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  4. 04

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  5. 05

    big bucks

    Lots of money.

  6. 06

    big cheese

    A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.

  7. 07

    big deal

    Something very important or difficult; a matter of great concern; a considerable feat or achievement.

  8. 08

    big dick energy

    Unassuming self-confidence.

Last updated August 10, 2026