easier said than done

What it means

Used to point out that something is much harder to accomplish than it is to suggest or describe. It acknowledges that a plan sounds simple in theory but is difficult in practice.

Examples

• Saving half your salary each month is easier said than done on a tight budget.
• "Just stay calm," he advised, but that's easier said than done in a crisis.
• Quitting smoking is easier said than done, as anyone who's tried will tell you.
• Finishing the marathon sounded fine, but in the heat it was easier said than done.

Where it comes from

A proverbial saying recorded in English since the 15th century, with parallels in Latin and other European languages contrasting words with deeds.

Related idioms