truth be told: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘truth be told’ mean?
The idiom "truth be told" is used to preface a statement in which the speaker is admitting or revealing something that may be surprising, candid, or contradicts previous statements.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to tell the truth" means being honest and sincere in one's statement or confession.
The idiom "to be honest" means to speak or express one's true thoughts, opinions, or feelings without deception or dishonesty.
The idiom "the reality is" is used to emphasize that a certain statement or fact is true, regardless of any other opinions or beliefs.
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.
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" 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.
"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 "straight goods" means telling the truth or giving honest information without any deception or exaggeration.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "pray tell" is used to politely ask someone to provide information or share a secret or surprising fact.
The phrase "pray tell" is a combination of two words, "pray" and "tell", where "pray" means to make a request or ask earnestly, and "tell" means to communicate or reveal information. In this idiom, "pray" is used as an exclamatory expression, mainly to add emphasis to a question or request for information.
Decoding Concealed Revelations
Truth be told is an idiom used to preface a statement or admission that is intended to be honest or sincere. It emphasizes the truthfulness or candor of what will be said. The phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, and is widely understood by English speakers.
The exact origin and etymology of the idiom are unclear, but it dates back to at least the mid-19th century. It most likely originated as a way to indicate the intention to tell the truth and add emphasis to the following statement.
The idiom "truth be told" is often used along with other similar idioms and expressions that convey the same meaning, such as "honestly speaking," "to be honest," or "to tell you the truth." These phrases all serve to emphasize the sincerity and truthfulness of what is being said.
It is interesting to note that "truth be told" is frequently used in personal anecdotes or confessions, emphasizing honesty and authenticity. This reflects how the idiom has become associated with vulnerability and openness.
Overall, "truth be told" is a commonly used expression that precedes a statement or admission meant to be honest and sincere. Its exact origins may be unclear, but it has been in use for several decades and is well understood by English speakers. The evolving use of language and idiomatic expressions like "truth be told" highlights the power of language to convey truth and authenticity, as well as build trust and connections with others.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "truth be told" can be used in a sentence:
- Truth be told, I didn't want to go to the party, but I felt obligated to attend.
- She may seem happy, but truth be told, she's going through a difficult time.
- Truth be told, I have never been a fan of horror movies.
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