Saying and doing are two things.
"From saying to doing is a long stretch" (French).[668] "Words are female, deeds are male" (Italian).[669] "Words will not do for my aunt, for she does not trust even deeds" (Spanish).[670]
His wind shakes no corn.—Scotch.
Harry Chuck ne'er slew a man till he cam nigh him.—Scotch.
Harry Chuck is understood to have been a vapouring fellow of the Ancient Pistol order, one of those who would give "A great stab to a dead Moor" (Spanish).[671] "It is easy to frighten a bull from the window" (Italian).[672] "Many are brave when the enemy flees" (Italian).[673]
It is well said, but who will bell the cat?—Scotch.
"The mice consult together how to take the cat, but they do not agree upon the matter" (Livonian). "Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, a man remarkable for strength of body and mind, acquired the popular name of Bell-the-Cat upon the following remarkable occasion:—When the Scottish nobility assembled to deliberate on putting the obnoxious favourites of James III. to death, Lord Grey told them the fable of the mice, who resolved that one of their number should put a bell round the neck of the cat, to warn them of its coming; but no one was so hardy as to attempt it. 'I understand the moral,' said Angus; 'I will bell the cat.' He bearded the king to purpose by hanging the favourites over the bridge of Lauder; Cochran, their chief, being elevated higher than the rest."—(Note to Marmion.)
Self-praise is no commendation.
Self-praise stinks.
Ye live beside ill neebours.—Scotch.
Your trumpeter is dead.
The last two are taunts addressed to persons who sound their own praises.
A man may love his house weel, and no ride on the riggen o't.—Scotch.
A man does not prove the depth and sincerity of his sentiments by an ostentatious display of them.