Would you like to tell someone that they should match their words with their actions, or would you like to tell someone that your words are sincere and honest? The phrase 'walk the walk' is one that can be used to say what you mean. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of the common English phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'walk the walk' is a common figurative expression in English that is used to mean that someone can match their words with their actions or that they will do as they have promised or said that they would.
It is common to use the whole phrase as 'walk the walk', although there are other variations on the saying that can be used to render a sentence that is still valid.
Someone can be 'walking the walk' in the present tense, or have 'walked the walk' if the speaker is talking about the past tense. A speaker can also use the phrase to say that someone 'walks the walk' to mean that they do as they say.
The phrase 'to walk the walk' can also be used to mean that someone is familiar with something (a joke, a culture, a tradition, etc.).
When someone can 'walk the walk' it is generally said as a complimentary phrase to (or about) someone. It can be used to say that someone is familiar with what they are doing, or with what is being discussed.
The phrase can also be used in the denial form to say that someone 'can't walk the walk' or is implied to be incompetent.
The meaning of 'the walk' is highly metaphorical, and often assumed or interpreted by the rest of what the speaker has said.
Example Usage
“Wow, look at him there in his three-piece-suit going to work for the government. He can really walk the walk, and it looks like it's finally going to pay off for him.”
“If you can't walk the walk, then you're going to get fired from your job during the first hour at work.”
“He can walk the walk, which is great because he spent a lot of money on those shoes for the race.”
“Don't worry about going to a new college. As long as you can walk the walk, other people are probably going to love you there. Just don't be a smartass.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase to 'walk the walk' and its derivatives is agreed to be from Shakespeare, used in the play Richard III: the text first appeared in 1594, and the popularity of the printing press just after this date would contribute to the high popularity of expressions that were taken from Shakespeare's work.
Further English publications of Shakespeare's work would give much more publicity to common expressions such as 'walk the walk' and many others.
The play Richard III would be adapted to film in 1955, and a further movie adaptation in 1995: this would make the saying peak in popularity during these times, as people were reminded of the popular expression to bring it back into regular speech.
The phrase has become common as a modern pop culture reference, which does not need to point out where the phrase comes from.
Phrases Similar to Walk the Walk
- Talk the Talk
Phrases Opposite to Walk the Walk
- Hasn't got a cooking clue
What is the Correct Saying?
- [they/he/she] can walk the walk
- walking the walk
- walked the walk
Ways People May Say Walk the Walk Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'walk the walk' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the phrase.
One of the most common incorrect usages of the term is when it gets said as 'cock the walk', which is a misheard phrase and not the right way to use the expression 'walk the walk'.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Walk the Walk
The correct way to use the phrase 'walk the walk' is to use it in reference to someone who knows what they are doing, or someone who is competent (or familiar with the topic being discussed).
The phrase is common as an informal reference, either said to someone or about someone.
The phrase is often used in combination with 'talking the talk', which can sometimes be used as an expression that carries the same meaning.