if truth be told

A form of truth be told — Used when admitting something one might otherwise lie about, e.g. to keep up appearances or be polite.

Ask AI about this wordChatGPTClaudePerplexityGoogle AIGrok

Meanings

interjection
  1. alternativeAlternative form of truth be told.

Synonyms & antonyms

Also see
truth to tell
Cite this entry
APA

if truth be told. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20truth%20be%20told

MLA

“if truth be told.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20truth%20be%20told. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “if truth be told,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/if%20truth%20be%20told.

Source: if truth be told on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.