I’d like to translate a quote from Pierre Reverdy (or Jean Cocteau, this
is an open question apparently). The quote is:
Il n’y a pas d’amour, il n’y a que des preuves d’amour.
For some context in French, see Le Monde’s website.
I’m searching for a naturally sounding equivalent rather than an exact translation. If you’re not a French speaker or are still learning, the quote literally says:
There is no love, only proofs of love.
We often use it to mean that good intentions are nice, but that concrete
action or money is nicer.
Best Answer
The French proverb implies that the expression of love indicates the sole reality of love.
The proof is in the pudding
implies
(source: M-W)
--- edit ---
The old English proverb, "All the proofe of a pudding, is in the eating," has been clipped to the head-scratching "The proof is in the pudding."
The proverb has a fascinating etymology. I will quote some at length the Wiktionary entry.
--- end edit ---
Popular culture
To keep the context in realm of l'amour, there is a parallel thought in Lerner & Lowe's Show me, from My Fair Lady.
I rather like the first line quoted (by Eliza, who is sick of Freddy's romantic words).
(Source: All Musicals)