С-473

СОЛОВЬЯ БАСНЯМИ HE КОРМЯТ (saying) words should be supplemented and supported by sth. more tangible ( usu. said by a host when interrupting a conversation in order to invite his guests to the table for food and drinks by extension used to stress that talking is of little help when an object, service etc is being sought): - fine words do not make full stomachs fine (fair) words butter no parsnips (in limited contexts) actions speak louder than words.

(author's usage) «А теперь, я надеюсь, Арина Власьевна, что, насытив свое материнское сердце, ты позаботишься о насыщении своих дорогих гостей, потому что, тебе известно, соловья баснями кормить не следует» (Тургенев 2). "...And now, Arina Vlas'evna, I hope that having satiated your motherly heart you'll make ready to satiate our dear guests, for as you know fine words do not make full stomachs" (2e). "And now, Arina Vlasyevna, I hope that your maternal heart having had its fill, you will see about filling our dear guests, for, you know, fair words butter no parsnips" (2a).