Looking for an English saying

[spunos]

In Dutch there's the saying "de beste stuurlui staan aan wal", which translates to "the best steersmen are ashore". It means that it's easy to criticize something you're not involved in or responsible for.

Is there a good English equivalent for this saying?

Comments

[biascut]

It's not quite the same formulation, but describing someone as an "armchair general" is the same idea.

[muckefuck]

Or "backseat driver", which is far more common in the USA.

[spunos]

Also perfect! Thank you :)

[biascut]

I did have that as well, but I still mainly hear that in its literal sense, so I wasn't sure whether to recommend it as a figurative expression.

[spunos]

That sounds annoying. I'm almost glad I don't drive :P Thanks!

[stacyinthecity]

"Monday morning quarterbacking" is similar, but that is more about hindsight.

[aindreas]

This is the first thing I thought of when I read the OP. And I've never watched an entire game of football in my life, which means it's got to have some prevalence somewhere. XD

[lizvogel]

Same here, although I've watched far more football than I ever wanted to (Dad was a coach).

[conuly]

You *might* say something like "talk is cheap", though that criticizes the behavior instead of the person. Expressions like "armchair general" or "backseat driver" are more things you'll say about a person rather than to them, if that makes sense.

[muckefuck]

I've also heard variations on "Those who can do, those who can't stand around and criticise/make dumb comments/etc.", addressed as if to no one in particular. Not as pithy as the Dutch expression, I'm afraid.

[conuly]

I thought the original was "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

But mostly you just hear the first part, and it's left to the listener to fill in the blanks about those who aren't doing.

[muckefuck]

That is the original, but IME that's not the version you hear in circumstances like this. (Presumably the speaker doesn't want to dignify the kind of kibbitzing they're being subjected to as "teaching".)

[72stroopwafels]

This doesn't add much to the conversation, but I'm happy I've learnt a nice new Dutch phrase! Yay!

[spunos]

Yay! :D

[divine_assass1n]

so have I :-)