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

Co-producer of the film, Adam Strawford, said the film will "speak volumes to anyone who wasn't born in the UK and has had to adapt to life here".

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2024

The foregoing objections require no comment, for they speak volumes pertaining to the thoughts and activities of men a century ago.

From Artificial Light Its Influence upon Civilization by Luckiesh, Matthew