fine words butter no parsnips

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #349 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (70)”, question 6

“That is great that you are planning on doing better in college than I did but fine butter no parsnips,” his sister reminded him.

(a) ideas
(b) plans
(c) words
(d) actions

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #349 [color=blue]“English Slang Idioms (70)”, answer 6

“That is great that you are planning on doing better in college than I did but fine words butter no parsnips,” his sister reminded him.

Correct answer: (c) words

Your answer was: [color=green]correct
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Hi! What is the meaning of “fine words butter no parsnips”?Thank you in advance.With kind regards,Oinas.

This idiom means that words alone are useless, especially flattering phrases or fine promises, and you should judge people by what they do rather than by what they say.