What does “Come clean” mean?
"Come clean" means to confess or admit the truth about something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After years of hiding the truth, he finally decided to come clean about his past.
Example
She couldn't bear the guilt any longer and decided to come clean to her parents.
Example
The suspect was interrogated for hours before finally coming clean about the crime
Is “Come clean” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Come clean” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Come clean” effectively in context?
You can use "Come Clean" when someone admits or confesses to something they have been hiding or keeping a secret. It emphasizes the act of being honest and transparent. For example, if a friend has been lying about their whereabouts, you might say, 'It's time to come clean and tell the truth.'
- 1Relationships
After years of hiding the truth, he finally decided to come clean about his past.
- 2Guilt
She couldn't bear the guilt any longer and decided to come clean to her parents.
- 3Interrogation
The suspect was interrogated for hours before finally coming clean about the crime.
Similar phrases to “Come clean”:
Own up
To admit or confess to something, especially a mistake or wrongdoing
Example
He finally owned up to his mistake and apologized.
Fess up
To confess or admit to something, especially something one has done wrong
Example
It's time to fess up and tell the truth about what happened.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Come clean” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Come Clean" is unknown.
Is “Come clean” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Come Clean" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage honesty and transparency or to describe their own act of confessing or admitting the truth.
What tone does “Come clean” have?
"Come Clean" conveys a tone of honesty and accountability. It's often used in situations where someone needs to take responsibility for their actions or reveal the truth.
Can “Come clean” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "come clean" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of confessing or admitting the truth. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, interviews, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He finally decided to come clean and confess his involvement.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's time to "come clean"!' to imply the need for honesty.
