Las palabras se las lleva el viento

Question

Hi all,

How would you translate the expression: "Las palabras se las lleva el viento" into English? I would use the dictionary, but I am looking for a real saying. Thanks!

Answer 1

Well it says "Words are carried away by the wind"; but it might be saying a couple of things

1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. Better get that in writing, can't trust a verbal bond.

Actions speak louder than words is SO right on the money. Thank you! - gone, Jan 25, 2011

No problem, thanks for all your help ;) - jeezzle, Jan 25, 2011

Answer 2

How would you translate the expression: "Las palabras se las lleva el viento" into English? I would use the dictionary, but I am looking for a real saying. Thanks!

Depends on the context.

I suppose if the particular situation were meant to call attention to the fact (or to level the accusation) that somebody makes a lot of promises or talks up a proposition without following through or possibly without even having the intent of following through, you might use one of the following:

? He's/you're all talk and no action.

? All I hear are a bunch of empty promises.

?He's/you're all bark and no bite.

?He/you talk a good game (but can't/won't/don't/aren't likely to/are you willing to back it up).

?Talk is cheap (but are you willing to back it up/but can you back it up?)

?He's/you're full of hot air.

?I'm not willing to listen to any more of your empty talk/rhetoric/promises (this is especially used in political discussions).

?He/you forgot that promise as soon as it left his/your mouth

In actuality, however, I think that the metaphor (and a beautiful metaphor it is, by the way) would probably be understood in English, given the appropriate context. Of course, if this does not satisfy your needs, you might always go with the words of the David Gahan of Depeche Mode fame:

Words are meaningless and forgettable

Thank you! I have officially opened a can of worms! - gone, Jan 26, 2011

Answer 3

Actions speak louder than words may come from the Latin Res non veba, which in Spanish is usually rendered as Del dicho al hecho hay mucho trecho. It fits as an equivalent for this phrase in some situations

Most often, however, ¨A las palabras se las lleva el viento" is used when the verbal contract seems unsufficient and one of the parties demands a written document or an action.

My choice would be ¨talk is cheap, get it in writing¨, but you always have to keep context in mind.

Tienes mucha razón. ¡Mil gracias! - gone, Jan 26, 2011

Nice, do you know I don't recall hearing that phrase - hope it's in the PB - margaretbl, Jan 26, 2011

Probably just "talk is cheap" is fine for original saying itself. - webdunce, Jan 26, 2011

Oh, I didn't notice your second paragraph. I guess the "get it in writing" part would generally be necessary, then. - webdunce, Jan 26, 2011

How about: "Talk is cheap, put it in writing." - Izanoni1, Jan 26, 2011

Answer 4

Verbal contract? Not worth the paper it's written on

Answer 5

Words are gone with the wind???