Add Insult to Injury

Context #1

I had a boyfriend for nearly 2 months. He recently broke up with me. He claimed the relationship was not working because I was not his “type.” My hair is blonde, I have blue eyes, and I’m fairly athletic. When we first met, he said I was exactly his type! Recently, my friend told me she saw my ex-boyfriend at Del Amo Mall with his new girlfriend. His new girlfriend was a blonde, blue-eyed volleyball player! My friend also said she looks very similar to me! First I was upset about our break-up. It adds insult to injury that he lied about his reasons. I now know I’m better off without him.

Context #2

Tina: Hi, Billy. How was your first day of school?
Billy: It started out fine, but quickly turned horrible.
Tina: What happened?!
Billy: Well, it started when I tried to go to my first class. The teacher couldn’t find me on his class list. It was a little embarrassing because everyone was looking at me. That’s when I realized I was in the wrong room. One of the front desk staff gave me the wrong information.
Tina: That’s not so bad.
Billy: That’s only the beginning. After my classroom situation was worked out, I was running late to get to my real class and I wasn’t paying attention. There was a muddy puddle and I didn’t see it. I fell right on my butt and to add insult to injury, I dropped one of my brand new textbooks in the puddle. I have to let it dry out. I can’t afford to buy another one.
Tina: Oh no! That does sound terrible! Are you OK?
Billy: I’ve managed to recover! Hope tomorrow is better!

Explanation

The expression add insult to injury is used when talking about a situation that is already bad AND it gets worse. Use this expression AFTER the initial bad situation and BEFORE the thing that makes it worse.

In Example 1, the speaker is talking about her breakup- a bad situation. This bad situation becomes worse when she finds out her ex-boyfriend lied to her about the reasons. Her boyfriend broke up with her and to add insult to injury, he lied about the reasons.

In Example 2, Billy had a terrible day that continued to get worse. First, he went to the wrong room. Then he slipped in a muddy puddle. To add insult to injury, his book was also damaged by the water.

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Actions speak louder than words

Context #1

Amy: Hey Brian, what time will you pick me for tomorrow’s carpool to school?
Brian: I’ll be there at 9 am sharp.
Amy: Are you sure? Because the last 3 times you were late and we almost missed our first class. I would almost prefer to walk than wait for you again if you’re going to be late.
Brian: I promise. I’ll be on time tomorrow. Trust me.
Amy: Actions speak louder than words. I’ll have to see what you do tomorrow.

Context #2

We have a new American President set to be sworn into office soon. During each campaign season, the candidates make many promises with hopes to gain support and votes from the citizens. It seems that a candidate will often say anything and everything that will get him or her elected, even if they have no intention of doing what they say. Regardless of whom you supported in the elections, this is always true: Whoever is elected must remember that actions speak louder than words when it comes to gaining our trust and support in the long run.

Explanation

Actions speak louder than words means that what you DO is more important than what you SAY.
In Example 1, Brian SAYS he will be on time, but actually, he has been late the last 3 times. His actions don’t match his words, so Amy reminds him that he needs to DO what he says, not only SAY that he will.
In Example 2, the speaker is discussing politics. It is likely true of politicians in many countries, that they SAY many wonderful things and make many amazing promises, but often FAIL TO DO it. The speaker uses this expression to emphasize that politicians would enjoy more trust and support from their constituents if their ACTIONS matched their WORDS.

http://languagesystems.edu/