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

“If the people that sit inches from her are rejecting her candidacy, that should speak volumes to every other voter in the city.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 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

Some looks there are, however, which, though inexplicable to uninitiated spectators, to those who cherish even a corruscation of mental light, speak volumes of information; and such it was that Eleanor cast upon John Ferguson.

From Fern Vale (Volume 1) or the Queensland Squatter by Munro, Colin