truth
Idioms (26)
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the whole story
CEFR B1all the facts about a situation, including ones not yet known
Neutral -
to all intents and purposes
CEFR C1in every way that matters in practice; effectively
Formal -
take someone's word for it
CEFR B1to believe what someone says without asking for evidence
Neutral -
in no uncertain terms
CEFR B2in a completely clear and direct way that leaves no room for doubt
Formal -
sour grapes
CEFR C1disparaging something desirable after failing to obtain it
Neutral -
put two and two together
CEFR B1to infer a conclusion by connecting the available clues
Neutral -
moment of truth
CEFR B2the decisive point when reality or the final outcome becomes clear
Neutral -
sleight of hand
CEFR C1clever and subtle trickery used to mislead people
Neutral -
warts and all
CEFR B2Shown or accepted honestly and completely, including every flaw and imperfection.
Neutral -
keep up appearances
CEFR B2To preserve an outward impression that everything is normal or successful despite underlying trouble.
Neutral -
under a cloud
CEFR B2subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation
Neutral -
crocodile tears
CEFR C1an outward show of sadness that is false or insincere
Neutral -
muddy the waters
CEFR B2to introduce confusion that obscures facts or makes a situation harder to judge
Neutral -
no two ways about it
CEFR B2the situation is certain, with no reasonable alternative or different interpretation
Neutral -
live a lie
CEFR B2to hide your true identity, beliefs, or feelings by living dishonestly
Neutral -
look the other way
CEFR B2to pretend not to notice misconduct or another troubling situation
Neutral -
name names
CEFR B1to identify specific people, especially those linked to wrongdoing or secrecy
Neutral -
blow someone's cover
CEFR B2to expose what someone has kept secret, such as their identity or scheme
Neutral -
break cover
CEFR B2to stop concealing one's true position or intentions and make them known
Neutral -
economical with the truth
CEFR C1deliberately omitting important facts in order to give a misleading impression
Formal -
pull a fast one
CEFR B2to deceive someone with a quick, sneaky, or unexpected trick
Informal -
no smoke without fire
CEFR B2rumors or accusations usually contain at least some truth
Neutral -
cry wolf
CEFR B1to give false warnings so often that a real warning may later be ignored
Neutral -
kiss and tell
CEFR B2to reveal private or intimate information that was shared in confidence
Neutral -
tell it like it is
CEFR B1to describe a situation frankly, without softening or hiding the truth
Neutral -
put words in someone's mouth
CEFR B2to claim falsely that someone expressed an opinion or made a statement
Neutral