tell you the truth: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tell you the truth’ mean?
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a way to emphasize honesty in a statement, suggesting that the speaker is about to share their true thoughts or feelings on a matter. It signifies a candid and sincere expression.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to tell the truth" means being honest and sincere in one's statement or confession.
The idiom "tell the truth" means to be honest and not lie or deceive. It is often used in the context of revealing or sharing accurate information or facts without any distortion.
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The idiom "tell it to the marines" means don't expect me to believe a ridiculous story or lie. It implies that only someone naive or gullible, like a new recruit in the marines, would believe such a tale.
The idiom "tell it to the judge" means to present your case or argument to the person in authority who has the power to make a decision or pass judgment on it.
"Tell it like it is" means to speak honestly and bluntly, without sugarcoating or hiding the truth.
The idiom "tell it like it is" is a prevalent and widely used phrase in American English. It carries a straightforward and direct connotation, implying honesty and frankness in communication. The roots of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century, with its usage evolving over time to its current form.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
The idiom "tell apart" means to distinguish or recognize the difference between two or more similar things or people.
The Veracity of 'Tell You the Truth'
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a common expression in English language. It is used to introduce a statement that the speaker claims to be honest or sincere. The idiom implies that the speaker is revealing the truth and possibly deviating from what they may have said previously. The idiom "tell the truth" is closely related to "tell you the truth", as both expressions convey the speaker's intention to be truthful and forthcoming.
One fact about the idiom "tell you the truth" is that it is considered a set phrase or idiomatic expression. As an idiomatic expression, its meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, it carries a figurative or idiomatic meaning that is unique to the expression itself. Similarly, the idiom "to tell the truth" conveys the same idea of revealing the truth and being honest in one's statements.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is classified as a discourse marker, which serves to signal the organization and structure of spoken or written communication. In this case, the idiom functions to preface a statement that is believed to be genuine and forthcoming. By using this expression, the speaker emphasizes their intention to reveal the truth to the listener or reader. The idiomatic expression "tell it like it is" is closely related to "tell you the truth" in the sense that both phrases indicate a direct and honest communication style.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is widely used in various contexts. It has become a part of everyday language and is widely understood by native English speakers. The idiom is not limited to a specific region or social group, but rather, it is used across different demographics. Similarly, the idiom "tell tales" is related to "tell you the truth", as both expressions involve sharing information or stories with others.
The meaning of the idiom "tell you the truth" can vary depending on the context in which it is used. In some cases, it may indicate that the speaker is about to reveal a personal opinion or share private information. In other instances, it could signal a change in the speaker's position or perspective. The idiom "tell tales" is similar in that it involves sharing stories or information, often with a negative connotation of spreading gossip or falsehoods.
While the idiom "tell you the truth" is commonly used, it is important to recognize that not every statement prefaced with this expression is necessarily true. The idiom itself does not guarantee the accuracy or truthfulness of the subsequent statement. It serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the speaker's intention to provide honest information, but the actual truthfulness of the statement may be subjective or open to interpretation. The idiom "tell the truth" reinforces the idea that honesty is valued and expected in communication.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a widely known and used expression in American English. It conveys the speaker's intent to share genuine information or reveal personal thoughts. However, it is important to recognize that the idiom does not guarantee the absolute truthfulness of the statement that follows. The idiom reflects the human desire for transparency and honesty in communication, but it also leaves room for ambiguity and subjective interpretation. Ultimately, the idiom serves as a reminder to prioritize truthful and sincere communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *tell you the truth* can be used in a sentence:
- I always try to be honest, so I'll tell you the truth - I ate the last piece of cake.
- She asked me if I liked her new haircut, and to tell you the truth, I think it's not very flattering.
- To tell you the truth, I wasn't expecting such a big reaction to my announcement.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is used to indicate that someone is about to express honesty or reveal something that may not have been previously disclosed. It emphasizes that the following statement is especially true or sincere. It can be used in various contexts and is often used to convey authenticity in communication.
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