0746 To be honest. - English Idioms

Explanation

Used to signal that the speaker is about to state their genuine opinion or feeling, often one that might be slightly critical, sensitive, unexpected, or difficult to say.
It emphasizes frankness and sincerity.
Can sometimes be used simply for emphasis, even if the statement isn't particularly sensitive.

Origin

Comes directly from the desire to preface a statement with an explicit claim of honesty.
It functions as a disclaimer or framing device, preparing the listener for candor.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Not gonna lie... / NGL
Real talk...
Imma keep it real... / Keepin' it a buck (AAVE influence, means being 100% honest)
Tbh (Text slang for To Be Honest)

Vulgar/Emphatic (For very strong, blunt honesty):

To be brutally honest...
Look, I'm gonna level with you... (Implies blunt truth)

Milder/Standard:

Frankly...
In my opinion... (Less emphasis on honesty, more on perspective)
Actually... (Can sometimes preface an unexpected truth)
If you want my honest opinion...

Situational Appropriateness

To be honest / Honestly are common in informal and semi-formal contexts.
Useful for diplomacy when giving potentially unwelcome feedback, as it signals sincerity.
Overuse can ironically make the speaker sound *less* sincere, as if they need to constantly affirm they're not lying.
In very formal contexts, frankly or candidly might be used, or the honest statement might be delivered without such a preface, relying on careful wording.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Using it *too* often might imply that the speaker is *not* usually honest, which is counterproductive.
Ensure the statement following it genuinely reflects an honest opinion or feeling relevant to the context.

Examples

To be honest, I didn't really enjoy the movie.
Honestly, I think you could do better. (Giving frank advice)
Do you like my new haircut? Honestly? It's not my favorite style on you, but it'll grow back! (Softening criticism)
To be honest, I completely forgot about the meeting. (Admitting fault)
Honestly, I'm just exhausted. (Emphasizing a feeling)

Dialogue

Friend 1: What did you think of my presentation?

Friend 2: To be honest, it was a little hard to follow in the middle. The beginning and end were strong, though!

Friend 1: Okay, thanks for the feedback. I'll work on clarifying that section.

Parent: Did you finish your homework?

Child: Honestly... no, I got distracted.

Parent: Right. Let's get it done now then.

Response Patterns

Acknowledgment of the honesty: Okay..., Right..., I appreciate your honesty.
Reaction to the honest statement itself: Oh, really? Why not?, Ouch, okay., Yeah, me too.
Sometimes slight defensiveness if the honest opinion is critical.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

The listener typically reacts to the content of the honest statement.
If the statement was critical or negative, the listener might ask for reasons (Why didn't you like it?).
If it was an admission, the listener might show understanding or discuss the consequences (Okay, well we need to reschedule then.).
If it was simply emphasizing a feeling, the listener might empathize (Yeah, it's been a long week.).

Conversation Starter

No. It prefaces a statement within an existing conversation, usually a response or opinion.

Intonation

Often said with a sincere, sometimes slightly lowered or confidential tone.
Stress usually falls on Honest or Honestly.
There might be a slight pause after the phrase.

Generation Differences

Used across all generations. The informal variant Not gonna lie (NGL in text) is more common among younger generations.

Regional Variations

Standard and widely used in all major English-speaking regions.

Basically..

🎲 Let's put it this way..

[0746] To be honest.