strictest confidence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictest confidence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that information should be kept completely private and not shared with anyone else. Example: "I am sharing this information with you in the strictest confidence, so please do not discuss it with anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under the strictest confidence, Emil told Kostya that he was finished with the Soviet Union.

The New Yorker

I want to reiterate that any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Independent

He added that police were willing to speak to people "in the strictest confidence".

Independent

In the experimental kitchen, dozens of new recipes are developed and tested every year in conjunction with the UK's major retailers – all in strictest confidence.

The Guardian - Business

Lawyer X met with a detective on the Purana taskforce, which was investigating the gangland war, six times and provided information in "the strictest confidence".

The Guardian

Hamilton explained: "I need someone to review in strictest confidence the draft to check whether the science is sufficiently robust to support its conclusions.

The Guardian

"This kind of frank discussion is only possible when those who take part in it know that what they say is in strictest confidence".

The New Yorker

With all these options, the strictest confidence is to be maintained at all times, among both students and concerned faculty and among intermediaries such as student representatives, faculty mentors, or members of the administrative team.

Columbia University

"We know that victims and witnesses will be concerned, and therefore we want victims and those at risk to know that allegations will be treated in the strictest confidence and in a safe and sensitive manner.

The Guardian

The pair will star in Peter Morgan's The Audience, which imagines meetings, held in the strictest confidence, between the Queen and her prime ministers from Churchill to David Cameron.

Independent

The database has been updated to include published applications, but the frequently-asked-questions page continues to advise that "all patent applications are maintained in the strictest confidence until the patent is issued".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, especially legal or professional settings, "strictest confidence" reinforces the binding nature of confidentiality agreements.

Common error

Avoid assuming that using the phrase "strictest confidence" automatically creates a legally binding agreement. It conveys a strong intent, but formal agreements may still be needed for legal protection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictest confidence" functions as an intensifier modifying the noun "confidence", emphasizing the high degree of secrecy and privacy. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it assures recipients that shared information will remain private.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strictest confidence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize the utmost secrecy and privacy. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to reassure and establish clear expectations of confidentiality across varied contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific realms. While the phrase is appropriate for many scenarios, it is vital not to depend on it as a formal legally binding agreement. Alternatives such as "utmost secrecy" and "absolute confidentiality" can be used to convey similar meanings with subtle differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utmost secrecy

Emphasizes the highest degree of secrecy, avoiding any mention of confidence.

absolute confidentiality

Replaces 'strictest' with 'absolute', focusing on the confidentiality aspect.

complete discretion

Highlights the need for careful and private handling of information.

highest level of secrecy

Focuses solely on the level of secrecy required.

guaranteed confidentiality

Emphasizes the assurance of keeping information confidential.

inviolable confidence

Uses 'inviolable' to stress the unbreakable nature of the confidence.

total privacy

Highlights the aspect of privacy instead of confidence.

deepest secrecy

Emphasizes the profound level of secrecy involved.

utmost confidence and discretion

Combines both confidence and discretion for added emphasis.

classified information

Indicates that the information is officially protected and confidential.

FAQs

How can I use "strictest confidence" in a sentence?

You can use "strictest confidence" to assure someone that information will be kept completely private. For example, "I am sharing this information with you in the strictest confidence, so please do not discuss it with anyone".

What are some alternatives to "strictest confidence"?

Alternatives include "utmost secrecy", "absolute confidentiality", or "complete discretion", depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "strictest confidence"?

It is appropriate in situations where maintaining privacy and secrecy is crucial, such as legal discussions, business negotiations, or sensitive personal matters. It's a way to emphasize the importance of keeping shared information private.

What does it mean when someone says they are sharing information in "strictest confidence"?

It means they are entrusting you with sensitive information and expect that you will not disclose it to anyone else. The phrase emphasizes the high level of trust and expectation of secrecy.