# tell you the truth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tell-you-the-truth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to positively assert the frank honesty of an associated statement of set of statements; equivalent to "to you tell the truth".

## Examples

- To tell you the truth, I am very tired today.
- I did not enjoy the movie, and to tell you the truth, I think we should have stayed home.
- While he offered a polite smile, he decided that, to tell you the truth, he could no longer support the company's current direction.

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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.