phrases.

[ma3898]

Do these three mean the same in terms of everyday convesational English?

Please could you make a typical English sentence with each one.

to be all mouth and no trousers

to be all talk and no action

to be all fur coat and no knickers

Regards.

[andy-hughes]

The first two mean the same -

"Our Betty's husband is always boasting, but he's got nothing to boast about he's all mouth and no trousers."

Our Betty's husband is always bragging but he never does what he says he will, he's all talk and no action."

The third refers to someone who pretends to be richer and of a better socail class than they really are.

That Betty talks like she was born in a castle, but she grew up in a council house, same as me, sh'e all fur coat and no knickers."

Hope this is clear - if not, re-post, and I'll explain in more detail.

[gammaray]

Mutton dressed as lamb, is in the same vein (sp..?)

[gammaray]

Are you learning English per chance? (that's not an example it's a question!)

[silly moo]

The third one is decribing somebody who spends all their money on things that are seen by others, leaving very little for the essentials of life.
Another with the same meaning - kippers and curtains.
From the days when kippers were a very cheap meal, as after buying the curtains to show off you couldn't afford meat .
Mutton dressed as lamb is actually somebody of my age wearing clothes designed for a much younger person.

[lankeela]

We used to say people from Palmers Green were all 'kippers and curtains'. Being from Wood Green we saw Palmers Green people as thinking they were a bit more upmarket.

[lankeela]

Big hat no drawers.