Promises are a big deal, especially in everyday American life. Think about a dad promising his kids ice cream after soccer practice or a friend swearing to keep a secret. Whether it’s at a family cookout or during a school group project, keeping your word helps build trust. When people follow through, others feel safe and respected. But when they don’t, it can lead to hurt feelings or broken friendships.
Because promises matter so much, people in the USA have come up with lots of colorful idioms to talk about them. These sayings pop up in conversations, books, and movies, making big ideas feel simple and clear. From honest deals to letdowns, idioms about promises help us describe those moments in everyday talk. Let’s look at some common ones and what they really mean.
Idioms About Keeping Promises
1. Keep your word
Meaning: This means you do what you said you would do. If you promised to help or show up, and you actually do it, you’re keeping your word. It shows others that you’re dependable.
Example Sentence:
• He promised to help with homework, and he kept his word.
• She always keeps her word when she makes a promise.
• “You said you’d be here—thanks for keeping your word,” Mom said.
• In his letter, the mayor wrote that he would keep his word to improve the park.
Other ways to say: Honor your promise, stay true to your word
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from old English sayings where a person’s “word” was as strong as a signed contract. Saying you’d do something was like signing your name to it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This idiom is common in both formal and casual talk in the USA. Adults, teachers, and parents use it often. British English uses the same phrase, but American English tends to use it more in family and school settings. Kids hear it a lot when learning about honesty.
2. A man of his word
Meaning: This describes someone who always does what they say. It shows that the person is trustworthy and follows through no matter what.
Example Sentence:
• Dad said he’d come to my game, and he did—he’s a man of his word.
• Uncle Joe is a man of his word. He never breaks a promise.
• “You can count on him,” the coach said. “He’s a man of his word.”
• The article called the mayor “a man of his word” after he kept all his campaign promises.
Other ways to say: Trustworthy, reliable
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying goes back to old times when knights and leaders were judged by their oaths. Keeping your word showed honor and strength.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Still widely used in the USA, though sometimes you’ll also hear “a woman of her word.” It’s usually used about adults, especially in more serious or respectful settings. British and Australian English also use this phrase with the same meaning.
3. Stick to your guns
Meaning: This means standing firm and not changing your decision or promise, even when others push back. It’s about not giving up or giving in.
Example Sentence:
• Even when his friends disagreed, he stuck to his guns.
• She stuck to her guns and didn’t skip practice.
• “Stick to your guns,” Coach said, “you made a promise.”
• The writer stuck to her guns and didn’t change the ending, even with criticism.
Other ways to say: Stand firm, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: It comes from battles, where soldiers were told to stay by their cannons no matter what. If they ran away, they left others in danger.
Usage/Cultural Notes: This is a popular American idiom, often used in family, school, or politics. It’s informal but powerful. British English also uses it, but less often in everyday talk.
4. Make good on a promise
Meaning: This means you did what you promised to do. You followed through and didn’t forget or avoid it.
Example Sentence:
• She made good on her promise to take us to the zoo.
• He made good on his word and fixed the bike.
• “You made good on your promise,” the teacher said with a smile.
• The company made good on its pledge to give every worker a bonus.
Other ways to say: Follow through, deliver
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase “make good” comes from old money terms, where someone “made good” on a debt by paying it back. It now means completing any kind of promise.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used often in American media, politics, and business. Slightly more formal than “keep your word.” British English has similar phrases, like “follow through,” but doesn’t use “make good” as often.
5. Swear on something
Meaning: This means making a strong promise, usually by naming something important to you. It’s a way to show you’re serious and telling the truth.
Example Sentence:
• I swear on my favorite toy I’ll tell the truth.
• He swore on his mom’s cookies he would be on time.
• “I swear on my dog’s life,” the boy said. “I didn’t touch your snack.”
• In court, people swear on the Bible to tell the truth.
Other ways to say: Promise seriously, take an oath
Fun Fact/Origin: People used to swear on the Bible, a loved one, or something valuable to show how honest they were. It showed how much their promise meant.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American speech, especially among kids or when someone is trying to prove honesty. In formal settings, like court, people still swear an oath. British and Australian English use “swear on” too, often in emotional or dramatic speech.
6. Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: This means backing up your words with real action. If you say you’ll do something, you prove it by actually doing it.
Example Sentence:
• If you say you’ll help, put your money where your mouth is.
• He put his money where his mouth was and joined the clean-up crew.
• “Don’t just talk—show up and do it,” Mom said. “Put your money where your mouth is.”
• The company put its money where its mouth was by funding the school lunch program.
Other ways to say:
Prove it, show it
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase likely began in the early 1900s in the USA. It was used to challenge people to stop talking and take real steps—especially when betting or making big claims.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in conversations about action and responsibility. It can sound a bit direct or challenging. British English also uses it, but you’re more likely to hear it in American business, sports, and family talk.
7. Tie the knot
Meaning: This means getting married—making a lifelong promise to someone. It shows a strong commitment to being together.
Example Sentence:
• My aunt and uncle tied the knot last summer.
• They tied the knot after dating for five years.
• “Guess what?” he said. “We’re tying the knot in June.”
• The local paper featured five couples who tied the knot over the weekend.
Other ways to say: Get married, say “I do”
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from ancient wedding traditions where a couple’s hands were literally tied together with cloth or rope during the ceremony, showing they were joined.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in the USA and also used in British, Australian, and Canadian English. It’s informal and friendly, often heard in wedding stories, announcements, or casual conversations.
8. Seal the deal
Meaning: This means to make a promise or agreement final. It often involves a handshake, a signature, or some action that confirms the deal is done.
Example Sentence:
• We shook hands to seal the deal.
• The team sealed the deal with a high-five.
• “Let’s seal the deal,” Dad said, signing the papers for the new car.
• The coach sealed the deal with a handshake after agreeing to join the team.
Other ways to say: Confirm it, finalize it
Fun Fact/Origin: People used to use melted wax seals to close letters or contracts. Once sealed, it meant the promise was official and couldn’t be changed easily.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Popular in American business and sports talk, but used casually too. British English uses similar phrases like “finalize the deal,” but “seal the deal” is more common in the USA.
9. Cross your heart
Meaning: This is a way to make a deep, serious promise—often used by kids. It shows you’re being honest and don’t plan to break your word.
Example Sentence:
• I’ll keep your secret—cross my heart!
• Cross your heart and hope to fly?
• “Cross your heart you won’t tell anyone?” she asked.
• On the playground, the kids whispered secrets and crossed their hearts.
Other ways to say: Pinky swear, promise deeply
Fun Fact/Origin: The full version is often “Cross my heart and hope to die,” though kids sometimes say funny versions like “hope to fly.” It’s not meant to be taken literally—it’s just a way to show strong honesty.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Mostly used by children in the USA but also familiar to adults as a nostalgic phrase. Common in American schoolyards and kids’ books. British kids also use it, but pinky swears are more popular in American culture.
10. Keep faith with
Meaning: This means staying loyal and sticking to a promise, even when it’s tough. It shows that someone can be trusted no matter what.
Example Sentence:
• We kept faith with our friends and finished the group project.
• He kept faith with the team by showing up early.
• “You kept faith with your promise,” the teacher said with pride.
• The soldiers kept faith with each other during the long mission.
Other ways to say: Be loyal, stay true
Fun Fact/Origin: “Faith” used to mean deep trust or belief in someone’s word. Keeping faith meant you held on to that trust without letting go.
Usage/Cultural Notes: More common in formal or older American writing, like speeches or news. Still used in British and American English but sounds a little more serious or traditional than everyday talk.
11. Live up to your word
Meaning: This means doing exactly what you said you would do. It shows that your actions match your promises.
Example Sentence:
• She lived up to her word and helped every day.
• He lived up to his word and brought the snacks.
• “You said you’d be there—and you were,” she said. “You lived up to your word.”
• The company lived up to its word and donated all the books.
Other ways to say: Follow through, be dependable
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase uses “live up to” as a way of saying someone meets the level they set. It’s like aiming high and actually reaching it.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both formal and informal American speech, especially to praise someone. Common in schools, family life, and news stories. British English also uses it, often in writing and public speeches.
12. Shake on it
Meaning: This means agreeing to a promise by shaking hands. It’s a friendly way to show both people agree and will keep their word.
Example Sentence:
• They shook on it and traded baseball cards.
• Let’s shake on it—we’ll both do our chores.
• “No backsies,” she said. “We shook on it.”
• The players shook on it after making a bet.
Other ways to say: Agree, promise with a handshake
Fun Fact/Origin: Handshakes go back hundreds of years as a way to show peace and trust—showing you weren’t hiding a weapon. In promises, it makes the deal feel real.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English. In the USA, kids and adults often “shake on it” to make small deals feel official, especially in friendly or family settings.
13. On your honor
Meaning: This means promising honestly, based on your personal truth. It shows that you’re speaking seriously and don’t want to be doubted.
Example Sentence:
• On your honor, did you eat the last cookie?
• I’ll be there—on my honor.
• “On your honor,” the teacher said, “did you copy this work?”
• Scouts take oaths based on their honor to do what’s right.
Other ways to say: I swear, I promise
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, a person’s honor was their reputation—if they lied, they lost respect. Saying “on my honor” meant you were risking your good name.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Still used in the USA and British English, but more common in formal situations or with kids learning about honesty (like Boy Scouts or school honor codes). Less casual than “I swear.”
14. Swear up and down
Meaning: This means making a very strong promise, usually to prove you’re telling the truth. It’s used when someone really wants to be believed.
Example Sentence:
• She swore up and down she didn’t break the vase.
• He swore up and down he would bring it tomorrow.
• “I swear up and down, I didn’t do it!” the boy said.
• The witness swore up and down that he saw what happened.
Other ways to say: Insist, vow
Fun Fact/Origin: It’s an American way of saying you’ll swear from top to bottom—like doubling down on your promise.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in emotional or dramatic speech. British English may use “swear blind” for a similar meaning.
15. Word is bond
Meaning: This means your promise is strong and real—your word can be trusted. It shows you don’t take promises lightly.
Example Sentence:
• When I say I’ll do it, I will—word is bond.
• His word is bond. He always follows through.
• “Word is bond,” he said, handing over the keys.
• She nodded. “Word is bond—I won’t tell anyone.”
Other ways to say: My promise is real, you can count on me
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase became popular in hip-hop culture during the 1990s. It comes from the idea that your word is as strong as a written contract.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Still heard in American pop culture, especially among teens and in music. Less common in British or Australian English. Used mostly in informal settings.
16. Signed, sealed, and delivered
Meaning: This means the promise or deal is completely finished—nothing left to do. It’s totally official.
Example Sentence:
• The deal is signed, sealed, and delivered.
• Her promise was signed, sealed, and delivered.
• “It’s done,” he said. “Signed, sealed, and delivered.”
• After weeks of work, their agreement was signed, sealed, and delivered.
Other ways to say: It’s done, it’s official
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from how people used to send mail—signing the letter, sealing it with wax, and delivering it. It meant everything was complete and couldn’t be changed.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American and British English, especially in business or legal talk. Also used casually when someone wants to say, “It’s finished and locked in.”
17. Give your word
Meaning: This means making a serious promise. When someone gives their word, it means they are committing to do something and want you to believe them.
Example Sentence:
• He gave his word he would show up.
• She gave her word and kept it.
• “Give me your word,” the teacher said, “that you won’t cheat again.”
• I gave my word to my little brother, and I won’t break it.
Other ways to say: Promise, pledge
Fun Fact/Origin: In the past, someone’s “word” was as valuable as a legal contract. Giving your word meant offering your personal trust.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English, often in serious moments. Still common in literature, school settings, and formal speech. In the USA, it’s often heard from parents, teachers, and leaders.
18. Word of honor
Meaning: This means giving a promise that’s based on telling the truth. It’s used when someone wants others to fully believe them.
Example Sentence:
• I give you my word of honor—it wasn’t me.
• Word of honor, I’ll help you.
• “Word of honor,” he said, crossing his heart.
• She looked serious and said, “You have my word of honor.”
Other ways to say: Trust me, honest promise
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase has been used for hundreds of years to show high respect for truth. In the past, a person’s honor meant everything.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Still used in American and British English, though it sounds formal or old-fashioned. You might hear it in movies, books, or serious conversations when someone really wants to be trusted.
19. Take an oath
Meaning: This means making a serious and official promise. People take oaths when they accept important roles or make strong commitments.
Example Sentence:
• The mayor took an oath to serve the city.
• We took an oath to keep the secret.
• He took an oath in court to tell the truth.
• The team took an oath to play fair and work hard.
Other ways to say: Make a vow, swear
Fun Fact/Origin: Oaths go back to ancient times. Today, judges, presidents, and police officers all take oaths before starting their jobs.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English, mostly in formal settings like courts, government, and ceremonies. Less common in casual speech, except when someone wants to sound serious.
20. Pinky swear
Meaning: This is a playful promise made by linking pinky fingers. It’s a fun way to show that you mean what you say, especially for kids.
Example Sentence:
• Pinky swear you won’t tell?
• We made a pinky swear to be best friends forever.
• “Pinky swear,” she whispered, holding out her finger.
• At recess, the kids made pinky swears to keep their secrets.
Other ways to say: Child’s promise, secret deal
Fun Fact/Origin: This is a favorite among children in the USA. It likely started in the 1800s as a way for kids to make playful yet “serious” promises.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Mostly used by children or in playful adult talk. Common in American schoolyards and pop culture. British kids may use similar gestures but don’t say “pinky swear” as often.
21. Come through
Meaning: This means doing what you said you would, especially when others are counting on you. It shows that you followed through.
Example Sentence:
• She came through with the snacks.
• He said he’d help and he came through.
• “Thanks for coming through,” the coach said after the game.
• The babysitter came through and showed up right on time.
Other ways to say: Deliver, keep your promise
Fun Fact/Origin: It started as a way to say someone made it to the finish line. Now it means someone followed up on their word.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American speech, especially among teens and sports fans. Also used in casual British English but not as frequently.
22. Stand by your word
Meaning:
This means you don’t go back on your promise. It shows you’re firm and loyal to what you said earlier.
Example Sentence:
• I stand by my word—I’ll help clean the yard.
• He stood by his word and showed up early.
• “You stood by your word,” she said with a smile.
• The coach stood by his word and gave everyone a fair try.
Other ways to say: Be loyal to your promise
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of standing still and strong. It means you don’t run from your promises.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Used in both American and British English, often in speeches, family talks, or school settings. It can sound formal or serious, but still common in daily life.
23. Walk the talk
Meaning: This means you do what you say. Your actions match your words, and you don’t just talk—you actually show it.
Example Sentence:
• If you say you care, walk the talk.
• She walks the talk and always helps.
• “He doesn’t just talk about kindness—he walks the talk,” said the teacher.
• The new manager walked the talk by helping out on the floor.
Other ways to say: Act on your promise
Fun Fact/Origin: This saying became popular in American business and sports, where people wanted actions to back up speeches or goals.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Common in American English, especially in leadership, business, and motivation. In British English, people may say “walk the walk” instead of “walk the talk.”
24. Back up your promise
Meaning: This means you support your words by taking real action. It’s used when someone doesn’t just say something—they prove it by doing it.
Example Sentence:
• He backed up his promise by finishing the project.
• She backed it up by showing up on time.
• “Back up your promise,” Dad said, “and clean your room like you said.”
• The team backed up their promise with a strong win.
Other ways to say: Prove it, act on your words
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase comes from the idea of providing support—like backing something with extra strength. It’s often used when people doubt your promise and you need to show you’re serious.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Very common in American English, especially in conversations about responsibility. British English uses similar phrases like “follow through,” but “back up your promise” is more often heard in U.S. schools, homes, and workplaces.
25. True to your word
Meaning: This means always doing what you said you would. It describes someone who is honest and reliable in keeping promises.
Example Sentence:
• She said she’d help and was true to her word.
• He’s always true to his word.
• “You were true to your word,” the coach said. “Great job showing up early.”
• Grandma is true to her word—she never forgets a birthday.
Other ways to say: Honest, reliable
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom goes way back to when a person’s “word” was seen as part of their character. Being “true” meant staying honest, even when no one’s watching.
Usage/Cultural Notes: Still widely used in American and British English. It sounds respectful and is often used in speeches, writing, and praise. Common for describing trustworthy people—friends, leaders, or teammates.
Quiz: Idioms About Keeping Promises
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “keep your word” mean?
A) Talk a lot
B) Do what you promised
C) Change your mind
2. If someone is “a man of his word,” what are they like?
A) They make jokes
B) They talk too much
C) They keep promises
3. What does “pinky swear” mean?
A) Tell a secret
B) Promise by linking pinky fingers
C) Wave goodbye
4. If someone says “put your money where your mouth is,” what should you do?
A) Spend your money
B) Prove what you said
C) Say something louder
5. What does it mean to “swear up and down”?
A) Jump around
B) Repeat a story
C) Promise strongly
6. When someone “backs up their promise,” what are they doing?
A) Driving backward
B) Showing action to prove their promise
C) Breaking their promise
7. What does “shake on it” usually mean?
A) Make a promise with a handshake
B) Play a game
C) Take a picture
8. If you are “true to your word,” what do you do?
A) Make funny faces
B) Keep your promise
C) Forget what you said
9. What does it mean to “stand by your word”?
A) Talk louder
B) Stay next to someone
C) Stick to what you promised
10. When someone says “walk the talk,” what are they asking?
A) To go for a walk
B) To act on your words
C) To tell a story
Answer Key
- B) Do what you promised
- C) They keep promises
- B) Promise by linking pinky fingers
- B) Prove what you said
- C) Promise strongly
- B) Showing action to prove their promise
- A) Make a promise with a handshake
- B) Keep your promise
- C) Stick to what you promised
- B) To act on your words
Wrapping Up
In the USA, keeping your word is a sign of trust and respect. These idioms help people talk about promises in a way that’s easy to understand and more fun to say. Whether it’s in school, at home, or with friends, knowing these phrases can help you sound clear and confident.
Now that you’ve learned them, try using a few the next time you make a promise—or hear one in a show or story. When your actions match your words, people notice. That kind of honesty builds strong friendships and shows you’re someone others can count on.
