come clean meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "come clean meaning" is not correct and usable in written English. You can use it when asking for the definition of the idiom "come clean." An example is: "Can you explain the come clean meaning?" Alternative expressions include "be honest," "tell the truth," and "fess up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

For instance, many of the ads carry the theme "It's time to come clean," reveling in the double meaning of the phrase.

The New York Times

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

The xenophobes should come clean.

The Guardian

"He has to come clean.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "come clean" when you want to emphasize a need for complete honesty after a period of concealment or deception. It suggests a deliberate act of revealing the truth.

Common error

Avoid using "come clean" when simply stating a fact without any prior implication of hidden information or wrongdoing. Using it in such contexts can sound unnatural or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "come clean" functions as a verb phrase. It serves to describe the act of confessing or revealing the truth, particularly after a period of concealment or dishonesty. Ludwig shows frequent use of this phrase across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "come clean" is a widely used idiom that signifies the act of confessing or revealing the truth after a period of concealment. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, it commonly appears in news and media, as well as formal and business contexts. The phrase is grammatically sound and serves the purpose of urging or reporting honesty. Alternatives include "confess", "reveal all", and "fess up". When using "come clean", ensure that the context involves prior concealment to avoid misuse. It's a phrase that encourages forthrightness and transparency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

confess

Implies admitting to something wrong or secret; direct and unambiguous.

reveal all

Suggests a complete and comprehensive disclosure of information.

make a clean breast of it

An idiomatic expression indicating a full confession to relieve guilt.

tell the truth

Directly states the act of being truthful without implying prior deception.

fess up

Informal way of admitting guilt or revealing information.

own up

Accepting responsibility or admitting involvement in something.

disclose

Formally reveal information, often in a professional or legal setting.

be honest

A general call for truthfulness without specific context.

lay one's cards on the table

An idiomatic expression for revealing one's plans or intentions openly.

spill the beans

Informal way of revealing a secret.

FAQs

What does it mean to "come clean"?

To "come clean" means to confess or reveal the truth about something, especially after a period of concealment or dishonesty. It implies a deliberate act of being honest about something previously hidden.

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

You can use "come clean" in sentences like: "The politician had to "confess" and come clean about his financial dealings," or "It's time for the company to "reveal all" and come clean about the environmental impact of its operations."

What's the difference between "come clean" and "tell the truth"?

"Tell the truth" is a general statement about being honest. "Come clean" implies a prior period of dishonesty or concealment, followed by a deliberate act of revealing the truth. It's more specific and often used when someone is admitting to something they've kept hidden.

Are there situations where it's better not to "come clean"?

While honesty is generally valued, there may be situations where the potential harm from revealing the truth outweighs the benefits. However, these situations are rare and often involve complex ethical considerations.