honest (redirected from earned an honest penny)

be as honest as the day (is long)

to be completely honest. You can be as honest as the day is long and still get into trouble if you fill in your tax form incorrectly.

See also: day

honest to God (informal)

something you say in order to emphasize that you are telling the truth. I didn't mean to hurt him, honest to God I didn't!

See also: god

honest-to-goodness

an honest-to-goodness thing or person is plain, simple, and exactly what they appear to be. I'd much rather have an honest-to-goodness steak than any of the fancy stuff he cooks. (always before noun)

make an honest woman of someone (humorous)

if a man makes an honest woman of someone that he is having a relationship with, he marries her. You've been living with Jean for five years, isn't it time you made an honest woman of her?

See also: woman

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honest to God

this is really true. I didn't tell her about the party, honest to God!

Usage notes: also used as a modifier: It was an honest to God mix-up.

See also: god

honest to goodness

this is really true. I'll be there on Tuesday, honest to goodness!

See also: goodness