# make an honest woman

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-an-honest-woman
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To marry (a woman), especially if there is an existing sexual relationship.

## Examples

- He decided to marry her and make an honest woman of her.
- After living together for several years, he finally proposed to make an honest woman of his partner.
- Following the scandal that threatened her reputation, he felt a moral obligation to marry her and make an honest woman of her before the child arrived.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.