[Korean Culture & Language] Heavy, light, cheap

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To “put one's money where one's mouth is” means to take some action to back up one's words or ideas. We also say "don't put words in my mouth" when someone suggests that we mean one thing when we really mean something different. 

In Korea, one’s mouth can be heavy, light, or cheap.

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입이 무겁다is directly translated to ‘one’s mouth is heavy’. It refers to someone who doesn’t talk much or is really cautious when they talk. They are usually good at keeping secrets.

Ex)
A: 이거 존한테 말 해도 되나?
A: Do you think it’s okay if I tell John?
B: 괜찮을거야. 존 입 진짜 무겁잖아.
B: I’m sure it will be fine. He is really good at keeping secrets.

입이 가볍다 is directly translated to ‘one’s mouth is light’. It refers to someone who talks about everything and is not good at keeping secrets.

Ex)
A: 그 얘기는 어디서 들었어?
A: Where did you hear that?
B: 로제가 말 해 주던데? 이거 비밀이었어?
B: Rose told me. Was that supposed to be a secret?
A: 로제한테 말한 내 잘못이지.
A: It’s my mistake to tell Rose about it.
B: 로제 원래 입 가볍잖아…
B: You know she’s not good at keeping secrets…

입이 싸다 is directly translated to ‘one’s mouth is cheap,’ and It has the same meaning as ‘입이 가볍다’