glimpse of truth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of truth" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean a brief moment when a person gains insight and understanding into something that previously felt confusing. For example, "After the conversation, I had a brief glimpse of truth that I had never considered before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That Glimpse of Truth David Miller (ed) (out 23 October 2014) Some of the best short stories contain unexpected moments of felicity on which the plot pivots.

The Guardian

Book: That Glimpse Of Truth: 100 of the Finest Short Stories Ever Written I ordered this book but couldn't take it on tour because it's huge.

The Guardian

A good filmmaker will not take that for granted, even with the advantage of a visual medium, and Mr. Chandor more than fulfills Conrad's criterion of artistic achievement: "If I succeed, you shall find there according to your deserts: encouragement, consolation, fear, charm — all you demand — and, perhaps, also that glimpse of truth for which you have forgotten to ask".

The New York Times

Providing that glimpse of truth is what Huck, Jim and Mark Twain were able to do.

Huffington Post

If I succeed, you shall find there according to your deserts: encouragement, consolation, fear, charm-all you demand-and, perhaps, also that glimpse of truth for which you have forgotten to ask.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But some tantalizing glimpses of truth have emerged, notably regarding the death in 1998 of the opposition leader Moshood K. O. Abiola and Nigeria's subsequent swift transition to civilian rule.

The New York Times

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

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

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "glimpse of truth" when you want to convey a brief or partial understanding of a complex or hidden reality. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the fleeting nature of the insight.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of truth" when you intend to convey a complete or exhaustive understanding. This phrase specifically implies a limited or partial view, not a comprehensive grasp of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of truth" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb. It describes a fleeting or partial understanding, as supported by Ludwig's examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "glimpse of truth" refers to a brief or partial understanding, functioning as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct grammatical standing and its usage across contexts where a nuanced, rather than complete, understanding is being conveyed. While relatively uncommon, its appearances in news and media outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian, alongside scientific and formal business writing, suggest a neutral to formal register. When employing "glimpse of truth", be mindful to indicate an incomplete picture, and to not assume a comprehensive understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fleeting insight

Emphasizes the brevity and transience of the understanding gained.

Momentary revelation

Highlights the sudden and surprising nature of the discovery.

Brief understanding

Focuses on the short-lived comprehension of a concept or situation.

Partial realization

Suggests an incomplete or limited awareness of the full picture.

Fragment of knowledge

Indicates a small piece of information obtained from a larger body of understanding.

Hint of reality

Implies a subtle indication or suggestion of what is truly happening.

Whisper of authenticity

Conveys a faint or subtle sense of genuine truthfulness.

Inkling of fact

Suggests a vague or uncertain sense of what is actually true.

Sense of actuality

Highlights the feeling or perception of something being real or true.

Incomplete picture

Suggests that not all details are available for a good and correct understanding of an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "glimpse of truth" to describe a moment of sudden understanding or realization. For example, "The documentary offered a brief "glimpse of truth" about the company's unethical practices."

What are some synonyms for "glimpse of truth"?

Alternatives include "fleeting insight", "momentary revelation", or "brief understanding". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase "fleeting insight" emphasizes the transience of the understanding.

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

Yes, "glimpse of truth" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing complex or ambiguous situations where complete clarity is not possible. It conveys a nuanced understanding without claiming absolute certainty.

What's the difference between "glimpse of truth" and "moment of clarity"?

"Glimpse of truth" suggests a brief and potentially incomplete understanding, while "moment of clarity" implies a more comprehensive and definitive realization. A "moment of clarity" typically provides a more complete understanding.