Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

it's not the whistle that pulls the train

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.62 in modern English

Syllables: it's not the whistle that pull-s the -train
IPA

50

Scrabble Score

33

Letters

3

Syllables

13

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

Boasting and loud talk should not be mistaken for the work that produces real achievements; bravado is no proof of action.

Example Sentences

"“In the words of the nursery rhyme,” says Mr. Green, “‘it isn't the whistle that pulls the train.’”"
"Until then, remember, don't brag, it's not the whistle that pulls the train."
"The shiny aluminum body of the 1928 Peerless race car with its rumble seat and purchase price of 50 dollars must have put Kenwood in a boastful mood because Grandma Proper immediately stated, “Kenwood you must remember that it is not the whistle that pulls the train.”"

Inflected Forms

it ain't the whistle that pulls the train (alternative) it is not the whistle that pulls the train (alternative) it isn't the whistle that pulls the train (alternative) the whistle doesn't pull the train (alternative)

Phrases

all talk and no action

Frequently Paired Words

all talk and no action

Questions

What does it's not the whistle that pulls the train mean?: Boasting and loud talk should not be mistaken for the work that produces real achievements; bravado is no proof of action.

How to pronounce it's not the whistle that pulls the train

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