come clean
Filed under C
In a sentence
After months of hiding his secret, John decided to come clean about cheating on the exam.
Emily knew she had to come clean with her parents about the damage to their car.
When confronted by the police, the suspect finally came clean about his involvement in the robbery.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "come clean" is a phrase commonly used in the English language. It is often used to encourage someone to confess or reveal the truth about something. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century.
One fact about the idiom "come clean" is that it has its roots in the imagery of washing or cleansing. The word "clean" is associated with purity and honesty, and by using this phrase, the speaker is implying that the truth will help to cleanse any deceit or wrongdoing.
Another interesting idiom related to "come clean" is "make a clean breast". This phrase is used when someone admits or confesses to something. It has a similar meaning to "come clean" in that it emphasizes the importance of honesty and revealing the truth.
In addition to that, the idiom "come out" is also related to "come clean". When someone comes out, they are revealing something about themselves that was previously hidden or kept secret. This can pertain to personal preferences, identities, or even the truth about a specific situation.
It is worth mentioning that the idiom "come clean" is commonly used in informal spoken English, but it can also be found in written communication. Its usage can be seen in various forms of media, including literature, movies, and news articles.
The idiom "come clean" is often used in idiomatic expressions and collocations, such as "come clean about," "come clean on," or "come clean with." These variations imply that the person is expected to reveal or confess a specific piece of information in order to be considered truly honest or transparent.
The idiom "come clean" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It is rooted in the imagery of washing or cleansing, implying that revealing the truth will help to eliminate deceit or wrongdoing. This idiom is used in various contexts and can be found in both spoken and written English. By encouraging transparency and honesty, "come clean" serves as a reminder to reveal the truth and face the consequences of one's actions. When someone "makes a clean breast" or admits to something, when something "comes to light" and becomes known, or when someone "comes out" and reveals a previously hidden truth about themselves, they are embodying the spirit of "coming clean".
Neighbouring idioms
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.