a glimpse of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a glimpse of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a brief or partial insight into reality or a situation. Example: "In her speech, she offered a glimpse of truth that resonated with many in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

HuffPost

The New York Times

The Washington Post

Harvard Business Review

Huffington Post

WikiHow

TechCrunch

The New Yorker - Books

BBC

Independent

The New York Times - Magazine

The New York Times - Style

Forbes

The Guardian - Books

Applied Water Science

Los Angeles Times

The New York Times - Arts

The Guardian - Travel

The New York Times - Sports

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

My hope is that every human being finds a glimpse of the truth that exists within us all – the truth that we are all ONE, never separate from the love that is available to us all at all times nor the peace that accompanies it.

HuffPost

Somehow, though, in these confusing circumstances you can catch a glimpse of the truth, even in a bar in Brooklyn on a muggy Sunday evening in July.

The New York Times

When we adopt, we are echoing his own compassionate work, giving the world a glimpse of the truth and beauty of the gospel.

The Washington Post

He who places mind and spirit above matter and physical desire, and is prepared to die if only he can catch a glimpse of the truth?

Harvard Business Review

So evolution has led to something outside itself -- to the brink of a larger, more widely illuminating love, maybe even to a glimpse of moral truth.

The New York Times

"It is the culpability of this era," he wrote, "that it always needed sorrow and constraint in order to catch a glimpse of a truth also found in happiness, when the heart is worthy.

The New Yorker

Like most political murders in Afghanistan — the traditional method by which most Afghan leaders have left office — there is mystery in the aftermath, even if a glimpse of the truth emerges after a time.

The New Yorker

Brash, naïve and bubbling with confidence, she is enchanted by the country, but also determined to "catch at least a glimpse of the truth — something beyond the beautiful images that are so readily available to the foreign eye".

The New York Times - Books

And that's when we get a glimpse of the truth.

Huffington Post

According to the film's website, "Rhonda Byrne's discovery of The Secret began with a glimpse of the truth of life within a 100-year old book.

WikiHow

You can't help but suspect that it's because they're afraid of how creepy users would find seeing a glimpse of the the truth breadth of their invasive user and non-user data collection".

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a glimpse of truth" to introduce a partial or incomplete understanding, suggesting further investigation or revelation is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "a glimpse of truth" when you actually have a complete or comprehensive understanding of the situation. It implies only a partial view.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a glimpse of truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the act of partially perceiving or understanding something that is real or factual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

8%

Social Media

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a glimpse of truth" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a partial or initial understanding. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is acceptable in written English. Its frequency across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its reliability. When using the phrase, remember that it implies incompleteness and encourages further exploration to reveal the full reality. Alternatives include "a hint of reality" or "a flash of insight", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a hint of reality

Suggests a subtle and indirect indication of what is real or true.

a peek at reality

Implies a quick, often secretive, look at something truthful.

a flash of insight

Focuses on a sudden and brief understanding.

a fleeting notion of the facts

Highlights the temporary nature of grasping the truth.

a brief look at reality

Indicates a short observation of something truthful

an inkling of the real situation

Highlights an intuitive feeling about truth.

a mere suggestion of the truth

Suggests an understated or subtle reference to the truth.

a shadow of reality

Suggests that something has a very small connection with the truth.

a perception of reality

Highlights how someone becomes aware of the truth.

a distant echo of the real

Indicates a remote or faint connection to the truth.

FAQs

How can I use "a glimpse of truth" in a sentence?

You can use "a glimpse of truth" to suggest a brief or incomplete understanding. For example, "The leaked documents offered "a glimpse of truth" about the company's financial troubles".

What phrases are similar to "a glimpse of truth"?

Alternatives include "a hint of reality", "a peek at reality", or "a flash of insight". Each carries a slightly different nuance of partial revelation.

Is it appropriate to use "a glimpse of truth" in formal writing?

Yes, "a glimpse of truth" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the specific message you're conveying.

What's the difference between "a glimpse of truth" and "the whole truth"?

"A glimpse of truth" implies a limited or partial understanding, while "the whole truth" suggests a complete and comprehensive understanding. Use "a glimpse of truth" when you only have part of the story.