tell the truth
/tɛl ðə truːθ/
Meaning
This phrase means to speak honestly and without lying. It is often used as an introductory phrase ('To tell the truth...') to share an honest opinion, admit a confession, or reveal a preference that might surprise the listener.
Examples
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I promised my parents I would always tell the truth, no matter what.
I promised my parents I would always tell the truth, no matter what.
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To tell the truth, I didn't really enjoy the movie we watched last night.
To tell the truth, I didn't really enjoy the movie we watched last night.
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It is always better to tell the truth than to make up a convenient lie.
It is always better to tell the truth than to make up a convenient lie.
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She looked me in the eye and told me the truth about what happened.
She looked me in the eye and told me the truth about what happened.
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To tell you the truth, I'm quite nervous about starting my new job tomorrow.
To tell you the truth, I'm quite nervous about starting my new job tomorrow.
Common Mistakes
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✗ You must speak the truth to your doctor.
✓ You must tell the truth to your doctor.
While grammatically possible, 'speak the truth' sounds overly formal or literary. In daily life, native speakers almost always use 'tell'.
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✗ To say the truth, I don't like sushi.
✓ To tell the truth, I don't like sushi.
The verb 'say' cannot be used with 'truth' in this idiomatic expression.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I know it's hard, but you need to ___ about where you went last night.
💡 Choose the action of being completely honest instead of lying.
Show answer
tell the truth
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To ___, I have no idea how to solve this math problem.
💡 Use the introductory phrase that signals an honest confession.
Show answer
tell the truth