come clean

USAGE SUMMARY

"come clean" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to confess or admit something that one has been trying to conceal. Example: "I know you haven't been telling the truth, so it's time to come clean and tell me what happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So come clean.

The New York Times

Let me come clean.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'll come clean.

The Guardian - Music

Alright, I come clean.

The Guardian

They must come clean".

The Guardian

We need to come clean".

The New York Times

I had to come clean.

Independent

But come clean you must.

The New York Times

"He has to come clean.

The Guardian

The xenophobes should come clean.

The Guardian

We must come clean about this, though.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come clean" when you want to emphasize the act of confessing something that has been hidden or concealed. It implies a sense of relief or resolution after the confession.

Common error

Avoid using "come clean" when simply providing information or stating facts. This phrase specifically applies to admitting wrongdoing or revealing something previously hidden, not just sharing general knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "come clean" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase, meaning to confess or reveal something previously hidden. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a common expression for admitting wrongdoing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Reference

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "come clean" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of confessing or revealing something that has been hidden. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it leans towards informal and is best used when emphasizing the act of revealing a concealed truth, rather than simply sharing information. Related phrases include "confess everything" and "tell the whole truth". When employing this phrase, remember that it is most effective when highlighting the act of admitting wrongdoing or revealing a previously concealed secret.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confess everything

Emphasizes a full admission of all relevant information.

tell the whole truth

Highlights the completeness and honesty of the disclosure.

make a clean breast of it

An idiom similar in meaning, suggesting a cathartic confession.

own up to everything

Focuses on taking responsibility for all actions.

reveal all

Stresses the act of making everything known.

fess up

An informal way to say "confess".

lay bare the truth

Emphasizes vulnerability and honesty in revealing the truth.

get it off your chest

Focuses on the emotional relief of confessing.

come forward with the truth

Emphasizes a proactive approach to revealing hidden information.

make a confession

A more formal way to express admitting wrongdoing.

FAQs

What does "come clean" mean?

The phrase "come clean" means to confess or admit something that you have been trying to keep secret. It often implies a sense of finally revealing the truth after a period of concealment.

How can I use "come clean" in a sentence?

You can use "come clean" in sentences like, "After being questioned for hours, he decided to "tell the whole truth" and "come clean" about his involvement." or "It's time for you to "own up to everything" and "come clean" about what really happened."

What are some alternative phrases for "come clean"?

Alternatives to "come clean" include "confess", "admit the truth", "reveal all", or "fess up" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "come clean" formal or informal?

"Come clean" is generally considered to be an informal phrase, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "confess" or "disclose".