Those who are quick to promise are generally slow to perform.轻诺者必寡信。
这谚语显然是有否定的意思。正面的说法有以下一条:
Be slow to promise and quick to perform.
允诺宜缓,履行宜速。
同样意思还有一句:
Better deny at once than promise long.
与其答应而久不实行,不如干脆拒绝。
Who gives to all, denies all.
诺言给得愈多,失信也愈多。
另有一句说明实践诺言的重要:
Promises may make friends, but 'tis performances keep them.
给人诺言可以结交朋友,但是要保持友谊长久,必须实践诺言。
老子说过:“夫轻诺必寡信,多易必多难。”孔子也说过:“言必信,行必果。”正与此意相合。
类似意思的谚语还可参阅Promises are like piecrust made to be broken.