speak volumes

Idioms  

1. Be significant, indicate a great deal, as in That house of theirs speaks volumes about their income. This idiom uses volumes in the sense of “the information contained in volumes of books.” [c. 1800]

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Example Sentences

People can say anything, but their actions speak volumes.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

And I think that that silence really does speak volumes.

From Slate • Feb. 11, 2025

Amid all the celebration, there are some notes of caution from campaigners that perhaps speak volumes about the reality of past let-downs.

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2024

Failing to capitalize once more and finishing winless on the road trip would speak volumes.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2023

In these transient but oft-recurring glances the eyes of a Spanish maid will speak volumes, and Carlos was reading in those of Catalina a pleasant tale.

From The White Chief A Legend of Northern Mexico by Evans, L.