talked big
Made bold claims
To talk big is to boast or make grand claims, often without the ability or intention to follow through.
Someone who talks big exaggerates their accomplishments, resources, or plans: He talked big about his connections, but couldn't deliver.
The phrase implies skepticism—the speaker doubts the substance behind the swagger.
- braggingExcessive self-praise
- lyingStating known falsehoods
- swaggerConfident, boastful manner
- chest thumpingShowy self-aggrandizement
- grandiosityExaggerated sense of importance
bluffing · blowing smoke · hyperbole · audacity · puffery · full of hot air · overstatement · blustered · exaggerating · showboating · crowed · embellishment · inflating · puffed up · self-aggrandizement · boldness · cockiness · fabricating
talked bigwalked the walk
Acted on stated beliefs
delivered · put up · followed through · performed · produced
talked bigkept quiet
said nothing · clammed up · kept a low profile · flew under the radar · held back
talk, talked, talking, talks, talker, talkers, talkative, talkatively, talkativeness