# suit the action to the word

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/suit-the-action-to-the-word
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To do what one has just proposed or spoken of.

## Examples

- If you say you will help, you should suit the action to the word.
- He promised to fix the broken fence today, and he intends to suit the action to the word.
- The leader pledged to reform the failing department, and his supporters waited to see if he would truly suit the action to the word.

## Origin

A phrase from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet.

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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.