gong2 jat1 tou3 zou6 jat1 tou3講一套做一套讲一套做一套
Jyutpinggong2 jat1 tou3 zou6 jat1 tou3
Yalegóng yāt tou jouh yāt tou
Definition
To say one thing and do another; to fail to practice what one preaches.
colloquialpeoplecommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of criticism and moral judgment regarding someone's integrity. It is frequently used in professional or social contexts to call out hypocrisy when there is a clear gap between promises and actions. Unlike more formal expressions for hypocrisy, this phrase is punchy and direct, making it very effective for expressing frustration.
Examples
He always talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, who would believe him?
It is most important to be consistent in life, don't just talk the talk.
Related words
Common phrases
to hate people who talk the talk but don't walk the walk
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being forgetful or changing one's mind. This phrase specifically implies a deliberate or habitual inconsistency between what is publicly stated and what is actually performed.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
