All Mouth and No Trousers!?

[Azimov]

I know what it means (all talk and no action) but where did the phrase originate?
Is it used regionally or is it's use more widespread?
And what exactly is meant by "Trousers" in this context?

The only way I can work it out is that the saying relates the wearing of trousers (traditionally worn exclusively by men) to action, violence or machismo (also predominantly masculine traits).

I read the replies to the last question which was similar to this except it used the phrase "All mouth and trousers" which got kind of bogged down in the lack of the negative instead of tackling the actual question in my view.

Any ideas?

[Quizmonster]

Click here for an expert's answer...re both positive and negative versions.

[willowman]

I've always thought that "trousers" refers not to the actual garment, but to what's contained in them, meaning that somebody will do a lot of talking but doesn't have the b***s to do anything about it!

[Quizmonster]

That's pretty well what my link-site says, Willowman! Have a glance.