Truth, Secrecy, & Deception - Truthfulness

Dive into English idioms regarding truthfulness, like "make a clean breast of" and "come out the wash".

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English idioms relate to Truth, Secrecy, & Deception

to show one's true colors

[phrase]

to behave in a way that reveals who a person truly is as opposed to whom they seem to be

Ex: After gaining power, the politician revealed his true colors by implementing policies that contradicted his earlier promises.

to put one's cards on the table

[phrase]

to honestly share one's thoughts, feelings, or plans

Ex: During the negotiation, she decided to put her cards on the table and honestly discuss her expectations and limitations.

on the level

[phrase]

truthfully and without any deception

Ex: He assured his friend that his intentions were on the level and that he genuinely wanted to help.

to cross one's heart

[phrase]

to swear that one is telling the truth about something or is going to do something as promised

Ex: She crossed her heart and promised to keep the secret safe, vowing never to reveal it to anyone.

to make a clean breast of something

[phrase]

to make a confession about what one has done wrong or lied about, especially to gain relief

Ex: After years of guilt, he finally made a clean breast of his involvement in the crime, providing the authorities with all the details.

to come clean

[phrase]

to finally reveal or admit the truth about something

Ex: After years of hiding the truth, he finally decided to come clean about his involvement in the scandal.

to take the lid off something

[phrase]

to make known an unpleasant truth about something

Ex: The investigative journalist's groundbreaking article took the lid off the corruption within the government, leading to widespread public outcry.

the birds and (the) bees

[phrase]

a conversation with children about disturbing topics like where babies come from or what is the goal of marriage are being discussed

Ex: As my daughter reached a certain age, I had to have the talk with her about the birds and the bees.

on the up and up

[phrase]

in a way that involves no deception or rule violations

Ex: The company's financial reports are always on the up and up, providing accurate and honest information to its investors.

home truth

[noun]

an unpleasant, yet truthful information someone reveals or points out about one

Ex: During the family meeting, Sarah confronted her brother with some home truths about his irresponsible behavior.

to come out in the wash

[phrase]

(of a hidden fact) to be eventually revealed or discovered

Ex: Don't worry about it. It will all come out in the wash.

Truth, Secrecy, & Deception
Deception	Secrecy	Keeping Secrets	Lying & Exaggeration
Obviousness	Pretense	Revealing Secrets	Depth & Surface
Trust & Honesty	Truthfulness	Flattery & Bragging

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