Easier said than done means that something sounds simple but is hard to actually do. People say it in reply to advice or a plan that sounds easy: “Just don't worry.” “Easier said than done.” It isn't rude: the speaker agrees the advice is sensible and honestly admits it's hard to follow.
When would you say easier said than done?
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That's / It's + easier said than done; something + is easier said than done
- 'Just ignore your noisy neighbours.' 'That's easier said than done when they play drums at midnight.'
- Saving half your salary sounds great, but it's easier said than done in a big city.
- Learning fifty new words a day is easier said than done, so I aim for ten.
What changed
First versionStop eating sweets? That's easier to say than to do.
RevisionStop eating sweets? That's easier said than done.
A word-for-word version of the idea gives easier to say than to do. Native speakers don't say that: the fixed phrase uses the forms said and done, without to. So to say than to do was replaced with said than done.
The similar phrase That's easy for you to say means something different: it's a reproach to someone who isn't in your position. 'Just relax, the exam is easy.' 'That's easy for you to say, you passed it last year.' Easier said than done sighs about a hard task, while easy for you to say is aimed at the other person.
Your turn
My friend told me to stop worrying about the exam, but that's ___.
Show the answer
easier said than done — Stopping worrying before an exam is hard, and that's what but that's easier said than done expresses. A piece of cake means very easy, and after but it contradicts the meaning: the word but promises difficulty, not ease.
Write about a piece of useful advice that you find hard to follow. Name the advice and explain what stops you following it.
Everyone tells me to go to bed before eleven, but that's easier said than done when my evening shift ends at half past ten.
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