# to tell the truth

idiom

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

## Meaning

An attestation to the truthfulness and frankness of an associated statement.

## Examples

- To tell the truth, I do not like this movie.
- I was nervous about the interview, but to tell the truth, I think it went quite well.
- To tell the truth, the decision to abandon the project was not made lightly, but it was necessary for the long-term health of the company.

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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.