to tell the truth

Definitions

To speak honestly and accurately about a situation.

Used as an introductory phrase to signal that the speaker is about to be candid or reveal a secret.

Examples

To tell the truth, I was not expecting such a large turnout at the event.

He decided to tell the truth about what happened, even though he knew it would be difficult.

Synonyms

to be honest to speak candidly to level with someone to come clean to state the facts to be frank to speak plainly

Antonyms

to lie to deceive to fabricate to fib to mislead to tell a tall tale to distort the truth