# truth be told

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/truth-be-told
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about, e.g. to keep up appearances or be polite.

## Examples

- Truth be told, I do not like this movie.
- I said I was busy, but truth be told, I just wanted to stay home and rest.
- Truth be told, the project was far more difficult than we anticipated, and we struggled to meet the final deadline.

## Origin

Ellipsis of if the truth should be told.

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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.