- Back up your stated beliefs, claims, or boasts with concrete action or financial commitment, rather than just talking about them. It challenges someone to prove their conviction.
Explanation
Origin
- Believed to have originated in the US in the early 20th century.
- The core idea is that talk (mouth) is easy and cheap, but risking something tangible, especially money (money), demonstrates genuine belief or commitment.
- It essentially means, If you really believe what you're saying, prove it with action or investment.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Put up or shut up. (Aggressive)
- Walk the walk. (Contrast to 'talk the talk')
- Show me the receipts. (Figurative: Demanding proof or evidence, common online)
- Skin in the game. (Having a vested interest, often financial)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Stop bullshitting and do something about it.
- Put your fucking money down. (If specifically about betting)
Milder/Standard:
- Demonstrate your commitment.
- Back up your claims with action.
- Invest in your beliefs.
- Show, don't just tell.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Can sound confrontational or demanding, so use with caution, especially in professional settings.
- A more formal equivalent might be: Are you prepared to commit resources to this proposal? or We need demonstrated commitment, not just verbal assurances.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- While often involving literal money (bets), the core meaning is about demonstrating conviction through *any* tangible action or commitment, not just financial. Non-native speakers might focus too heavily on the money aspect.
Examples
- You keep saying you support their cause; why don't you put your money where your mouth is and make a donation?
- He bragged he could beat anyone at chess, so I told him to put his money where his mouth is and play me for $20.
- If the company truly believes in sustainability, it needs to put its money where its mouth is and invest in green technology.
Dialogue
Alex: I'm telling you, my startup idea is going to be huge! It's revolutionary!
Ben: You've been saying that for months. If you're so confident, put your money where your mouth is. Have you actually invested any of your own savings?
Alex: Well... I'm still working on the business plan.
Ben: Exactly. Talk is cheap.
Social Media Examples
- So many 'influencers' promoting products they clearly don't use. Put your money where your mouth is, show us it works! #authenticity #influencermarketing
- Politician X promises job growth but votes against funding. Time to put your money where your mouth is! #politics #accountability
- Replying to a sports fan's confident prediction: Oh yeah? Put your money where your mouth is! I'll bet $50 your team loses. #sportsbetting #challenge
Response Patterns
- Alright, bet! / You're on! (Accepting a literal bet)
- Okay, I'll do it. (Agreeing to take action)
- I stand by what I said, but I'm not betting/doing that. (Refusing the challenge but maintaining the stance)
- Silence or changing the subject (Often indicating unwillingness to back up the claim)
- Actions speak louder than words. (Agreeing with the principle)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After challenging someone:
- Observing whether they accept the challenge (bet or action) or back down.
- If they accept, potentially setting the terms (Okay, how much? or So what are you going to do?).
- If they refuse, perhaps pointing out their lack of conviction (See? All talk.).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response, typically a challenge, within a conversation or argument.
Intonation
- Often challenging, demanding, or skeptical.
- Stress falls heavily on MONey and MOUTH. Put your MONey where your MOUTH is.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations, though the direct, challenging nature might be used more readily in certain contexts or by certain personalities.
Regional Variations
- Very common in North American English, but well-understood in other English-speaking regions too.