tell the truth

== English == === Pronunciation === === Verb === tell the truth (third-person singular simple present tells the truth, present participle telling the truth, simple past and past participle told the truth) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see tell,‎ truth. ==== Translations ==== === Phrase === tell the truth (idiomatic, informal) Used to positively assert the frank honesty of an associated statement of set of statements; equivalent to "to tell the truth". ==== Usage notes ==== Used bracketed by punctuation, especially commas, dashes, or parentheses. Less intimate than tell you the truth. ==== Synonyms ==== (asserting frank honesty of statement): frankly, honestly, tell you the truth ==== Related terms ==== tell the truth and shame the devil tell you the truth ==== Translations ====