Idioms

Butter no parsnips

The full saying is fine words butter no parsnips.

This is true: however much you talk, it won't put any butter on the parsnips (a common English root vegetable that is served with butter to add a little extra flavour).

It is a very old saying, and means quite simply that actions speak louder than words, it is what we do that matters more than what we say.

If you think someone is flattering you (or buttering you up) to get something and making wonderful but insincere promises, you might use this idiom to let them know that you are not impressed.

Other root vegetables are the potato, turnip and carrot. People are divided into small potatoes and big potatoes (people with power).