To put your money where your mouth is?

[belena]

HI Can you help? Can't understand one sentence. The text is : before agreeing a loan , banks will want to see your own financial commitment to the success of your business. You must be prepared TO PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS. thank you.

[BobK]

Spooky - I was thinking about this idiom only this morning!

It means risk your own money to support what you say. Often it's used to invite people to make a bet: 'I think Lacy Lady will win the 2.30.'/'OK, if you're so sure, put your money where your mouth is'. In the example you give, the banks will only support a business venture if they believe the client is prepared to risk his own money; typically, a bank requires a client to use his/her own property as collateral for a loan.

b

[TheLondoner]

It can also be used in non-financial situations.

It can mean 'don't just talk about it, do it'.