ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come clean

idiom
Meaning

To confess; admit the truth.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is time to come clean about what you did.

CONTEXTUAL

After the manager noticed the missing money, the employee decided to come clean and explain his mistake.

COMPLEX

Faced with undeniable evidence of his long-standing deception, the politician finally came clean to the public regarding his secret financial dealings.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as they come

    As it is possible to be.

  2. 02

    blow to kingdom come

    To totally destroy (something); to annihilate or wipe out (something).

  3. 03

    Christmas come early

    Something very delightful or fortunate that is happening or has happened, especially earlier than expected.

  4. 04

    clean as a hound's tooth

    Very clean.

  5. 05

    clean as a whistle

    Very clean.

  6. 06

    clean break

    The complete termination of a relationship, or an exit from a situation.

  7. 07

    clean hands

    Freedom from guilt, especially from the guilt of dishonesty in money matters, or of bribe-taking.

  8. 08

    clean money

    Money that is legally or honestly gained or earned.

© 2026 English Reference