attack of candor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attack of candor" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
You can use it to describe a sudden or overwhelming moment of honesty or frankness, often in a conversation or discussion. Example: "During the meeting, I experienced an attack of candor and revealed my true feelings about the project."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

More likely he had an attack of candor.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Similarly, a recent autobiography by Michael D. Eisner, chairman of the Walt Disney Company, was attacked by reviewers for its lack of candor.

The New York Times

It has been the only issue that has been off limits in the daily barrage of Republican attacks against the administration (Chairman Steele's recent moment of candor on Afghanistan notwithstanding).

Huffington Post

A rare moment of candor.

The New York Times

Maybe spasms of candor will surface.

The New York Times

Credibility is the modern version of candor.

The New Yorker

The album teases with promises of candor.

The New York Times - Arts

That kind of candor was something new.

The New Yorker

And he is unafraid of candor.

The New York Times - Sports

She just needs the audacity of candor.

The New York Times

Lately, it has been carrying an undercurrent of candor.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "attack of candor" to describe a situation where someone unexpectedly reveals a truth, often one they usually conceal or soften. This phrase is best used when the honesty is somewhat surprising or out of character for the speaker.

Common error

Avoid using "attack of candor" for situations where honesty is expected or commonplace. The phrase implies a sudden, almost overwhelming urge to be truthful, not just a regular instance of honesty. It’s not merely about being honest; it's about an uncharacteristic and perhaps unsettling level of frankness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attack of candor" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes an instance or episode of sudden and uncharacteristic honesty. Ludwig indicates it can be used to describe a sudden or overwhelming moment of honesty or frankness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attack of candor" describes a sudden and unexpected instance of honesty, often implying the speaker typically withholds or softens their true feelings. Ludwig states it isn't a common idiom, and its usage is infrequent but understandable. As a noun phrase, it functions to highlight instances where the speaker is revealing something uncharacteristic. While grammatically sound, "attack of candor" should be used judiciously, primarily in news or analytical contexts, and reserved for moments of surprising or overwhelming frankness. More common alternatives include "moment of honesty" or "burst of frankness".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden burst of honesty

Emphasizes the abrupt and unexpected nature of the honest revelation.

moment of surprising frankness

Highlights the unexpected quality of the frankness, suggesting it's out of character.

unexpected wave of candor

Uses "wave" to suggest an overwhelming and sudden surge of honesty.

outburst of truthfulness

Focuses on the sudden and forceful expression of truth.

spontaneous honesty

Highlights the unplanned and impulsive nature of the honesty.

unfiltered honesty

Emphasizes the lack of restraint or editing in the honesty.

uncalculated frankness

Stresses that the frankness was not planned or considered beforehand.

rush of sincerity

Suggests a strong and immediate feeling of sincerity leading to honesty.

unreserved honesty

Highlights the complete openness and lack of reservations in the honesty.

period of unusual candor

Indicates that the candor is atypical and persists for a limited time.

FAQs

How can I use "attack of candor" in a sentence?

You can use "attack of candor" to describe a moment when someone unexpectedly reveals a truth or opinion they usually keep hidden. For example: "During the board meeting, the CEO had an "attack of candor" and admitted the project was failing".

What's a similar phrase to "attack of candor"?

Similar phrases include "sudden burst of honesty", "moment of surprising frankness", or "unexpected wave of candor". These alternatives also emphasize the sudden and perhaps unexpected nature of the honesty.

Is "attack of candor" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "attack of candor" isn't a particularly common idiom. Phrases like "moment of honesty" or "burst of frankness" might be more frequently used in everyday conversation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "attack of candor"?

Use "attack of candor" when the honesty is surprising, perhaps even to the speaker, and when it involves revealing something that is usually concealed or softened. It is not appropriate when mere transparency is displayed.