talk big

talk big

To boast or brag about one's own abilities, skills, success, achievements, etc., especially when such bragging runs contrary to reality. He talks big about all the things he's doing to make the country safer, but so far his administration hasn't done squat. She likes to talk big about how great a tennis player she is, but I don't think she's even won a tournament.
See also: big, talk
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

talk big

to brag; to make grandiose statements. She talks big but can't produce anything. He has some deep need to talk big, but it's just talk—no action.
See also: big, talk
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

talk big

Brag, boast, as in I don't believe he's ever shot even a duck, but he sure talks big about hunting. This colloquial idiom was first recorded in 1699.
See also: big, talk
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

talk big

talk confidently or boastfully. informal
See also: big, talk
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

talk ˈbig

(disapproving) tell people how good you are or promise many things: The President talks big but he doesn’t do anything.
See also: big, talk
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

talk big

in. to brag; to make grandiose statements. He has some deep need to talk big. He can’t do anything.
See also: big, talk
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

talk big

Informal
To brag.
See also: big, talk
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • blow one’s own horn
  • blow one's own horn
  • blow own horn
  • blow your own horn
  • blow (one's) own horn
  • toot (one's) own horn
  • toot one’s own horn
  • blow (one's) own trumpet
  • blow your own trumpet
  • toot (one's) own trumpet
References in periodicals archive
Bryan Sanderson, Learning and Skills Council chairman said: 'Employers talk big when it comes to training but are failing to deliver.'
Training is 'all talk' as bosses fail to deliver
On this as with everything else, New Labour talk big and deliver Tory.
Poor suffer wage rage; Wilson's Week
The American attitude toward women, their proneness to spoil a girl, to build up, to exaggerate, talk big, and to act with generosity and flamboyance, helped to make them the most attractive boyfriends."
Rich Relations: The American Occupation of Britain, 1942-1945
It's easy to talk big but what did they actually do?," she asked.
Sonia Gandhi takes on BJP, says opposition only talks
We don't mind jostling with the big boys when the need arises - and the thought that we might talk Big Vince into joining us, rattling a few cages to get a spirited argument across, appeals here.
Are we winning on the V Factor?
Those who like to talk big numbers and aren't fussed about the price of fuel will choose the 650i with its 450bhp V8 engine.
Six appeal coupe; NEW BMW TAKES ON MERCEDES CLS
h oy Those who like to talk big numbers and aren't fussed about the price fuel, will choose the 650i with its 450bhp V8 engine.
More door coupe; New BMW takes on Mercedes CLS
"You can look foolish in sport if you talk big and don't deliver.
Football: Osgood a cheer leader