What does “Truth will out” mean?

"Truth will out" means that the truth will eventually be revealed.

What context can I use the in?

Example

No matter how hard they try to hide it, the truth will out.

Example

You can't keep lying forever, eventually the truth will out.

Example

Even if it takes years, the truth will out in the end

Is “Truth will out” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Truth will out” 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 “Truth will out” effectively in context?

You can use "Truth will out" to emphasize the inevitability of the truth being exposed. It implies that no matter how much someone tries to conceal or distort the truth, it will eventually come to light. For example, if someone is spreading false rumors about you, you might say, 'Don't worry, the "truth will out" and everyone will know the real story.'

1Gossip
Despite their efforts to keep it a secret, the truth will out and the gossip will spread.
2Investigation
The detective was confident that the truth will out during the course of the investigation.
3Deception
No matter how convincing the lies are, the truth will out and the deception will be exposed.

Similar phrases to “Truth will out”:

What goes around comes around

The consequences of one's actions will eventually catch up to them

Example

He cheated on his partner, but what goes around comes around, and now he's experiencing heartbreak.

You can't hide the sun

The truth or reality will always become known or evident

Example

They may try to cover it up, but you can't hide the sun, and the truth will come out.

Lies have short legs

Lies don't last long and will eventually be exposed

Example

She thought she could deceive everyone, but lies have short legs, and her true intentions were revealed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Truth will out” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Truth will out" can be traced back to Shakespeare's play 'The Merchant of Venice.' In Act 2, Scene 2, the character Launcelot Gobbo says, 'But, indeed, an honest man is not fit to live in the world if he be "so cursed as to see the truth will out".' The phrase suggests that no matter how hard someone tries to hide the truth, it will eventually be revealed.

Is “Truth will out” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Truth will out" is a well-known proverb that is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their belief that lies and deceit cannot remain hidden forever and that the truth will eventually prevail.

What tone does “Truth will out” have?

"Truth will out" conveys a tone of certainty and confidence. It suggests that the truth has a way of revealing itself and that attempts to hide it are ultimately futile.

Can “Truth will out” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Truth will out" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of the inevitability of the truth being revealed. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, discussions, or written essays.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'No matter how hard they try to hide it, the "truth will out".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, the "truth will out"!' to imply that the truth will eventually be revealed.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

the truth will come out
truth will prevail
truth will be revealed
the truth will emerge
the truth will surface

Antonyms

cover up
conceal the truth
keep a secret
hide the facts
suppress the truth