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на словах

in words

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phrase Rare #46,818
in words Used to describe what someone says or claims, often in contrast with what they actually do or what is true in reality. The contrasting phrase is «на деле» (“in practice,” “in reality”).
RU: На словах он очень смелый, а на деле боится всего.
EN: In words, he is very brave, but in reality he is afraid of everything.

На словах Мэри играет в теннис лучше, чем на самом деле.

Mary claims she plays tennis better than she actually does.

Возможно, кто-то на словах передаст тебе мой последний привет.

Perhaps someone will pass along my final regards to you verbally.

— Бункер (2004)

Она честна на словах и на деле.

She is honest in word and deed.

Вы на словах одно говорите, а делаете совсем другое.

You say one thing, but do something completely different.

— Вторжение динозавра (2006)