# big talk

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/big-talk
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Statements which are boastful or exaggerated.

## Examples

- Don't listen to his big talk about winning the game.
- He promised to finish the project in one day, but it was just big talk.
- Despite his big talk regarding his vast experience, he struggled to complete even the most basic tasks during the interview.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.