鳴なく猫ねこは鼠ねずみを捕とらぬ

expression

empty vessels make the most sound; the meowing cat does not catch the mouse

Proverb meaning that those who talk a lot or boast often accomplish little. The literal image is of a cat that meows instead of silently hunting.

• 彼かれはいつも大おおきなことを言いうが、実じっ際さいには何なにも成なし遂とげていない。まさに「鳴なく猫ねこは鼠ねずみを捕とらぬ」だ。

  He always talks big, but in reality he hasn't accomplished anything. Truly, 'the meowing cat does not catch the mouse.'