Come clean

Meaning

The idiom "come clean" means to confess something that was previously hidden or kept secret, especially if it is a difficult or embarrassing truth. It can also mean to reveal all the details of something, usually in order to be completely honest.

Usage

• After years of avoiding the topic, John finally came clean about his affair with his best friend's wife.
• The whistleblower had come clean about the company's illegal activities, leading to a major scandal.
• In order to clear her name, Sarah decided to come clean about the mistake she made on her resume.
• When confronted with evidence of his lies, Tom reluctantly came clean and admitted his guilt.
• The police had come clean about their investigation into the missing person case, revealing that they had found a key piece of evidence.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "come clean" is unclear, but it is believed to have first appeared in English in the 15th century. One theory suggests that the phrase comes from the act of uncovering or removing something that has been covered up, such as a wound or a secret. Another theory points to the idea of washing away dirt or impurities, which could be seen as a metaphor for confessing a wrongdoing. Over time, the idiom has evolved to refer specifically to revealing hidden truths.

Synonyms in English

• Spill the beans
• Lay it on the table
• Wear one's heart on their sleeve

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "Dar a conocer" - To reveal or make known
• French: "Confesser" - To confess or admit
• German: "Entlarven" - To unmask or expose
• Japanese: "Shōrai" - To confess one's feelings or true self
• Italian: "Avere la parola su" - To have the last word on something, often by revealing a secret or hiding place

Similar Idioms

• cut down

• cross the bridge

• cross paths