truth (redirected from truth to tell)

accept/take something as gospel (truth)

to believe that something is completely true. You shouldn't accept as gospel everything you read in the newspapers.

See also: gospel, take

be economical with the truth (humorous)

to not be completely honest about something. He was economical with the truth - he gave her a censored account of what was discussed.

the gospel truth

the complete truth. I didn't touch your stereo, and that's the gospel truth.

See also: gospel

a grain of truth

a small amount of truth. There's a grain of truth in what she says but it's greatly exaggerated.

See also: grain

a home truth

if you tell someone a home truth, you tell them an unpleasant fact, usually something bad about themselves. It's time someone told that boy a few home truths about his behaviour. (usually plural)

See also: home

the moment of truth

the time when someone has to make an important decision or when you can see if something has been successful or not. The moment of truth came when I had to decide whether to move in with Jim or get a flat on my own.

See also: moment

Truth will out. (slightly formal)

something that you say which means the truth will always be discovered. They're bound to find out what you've done. Truth will out, you know.

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in truth

actually. We kept climbing but, in truth, we knew we could not reach the top of the mountain before sunset.

in (point of) fact

in reality

as a matter of fact