- To confess something that has been bothering you or worrying you, relieving the stress or guilt by talking about it.
Explanation
Origin
- Metaphorical, likening a worrisome secret or burden to a heavy weight pressing down on one's chest, making it hard to breathe or feel at ease.
- Confessing removes this weight. Used since the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Spit it out. (More impatient command to say what's on one's mind)
- Lay it on me. (Inviting someone to share their burden/news)
- Air your dirty laundry. (Often negative, revealing private/embarrassing things)
- Keep it real. (Encouraging honesty, sometimes setting up a confession)
Vulgar/Emphatic (expressing the burden):
- I need to get this fucking weight off me.
Milder/Standard:
- I need to talk about something.
- There's something I need to tell you.
- I feel the need to confess something.
Situational Appropriateness
- Best suited for informal, personal conversations between people who trust each other.
- Generally inappropriate in formal business settings unless there's a strong pre-existing relationship or specific context (e.g., HR issue requiring disclosure).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal idea of removing something from a chest is not intended.
- Focus on the meaning of relieving emotional burden through confession.
Examples
- He needed to get something off his chest, so he told his friend about the mistake he'd made.
- Is something bothering you? You look like you need to get something off your chest.
- I felt much better after getting that off my chest.
Dialogue
Leo: You seem quiet today. Everything okay?
Nina: (Sighs) Not really. There's something I need to get off my chest.
Leo: Okay, I'm here to listen. What is it?
Nina: I accidentally deleted the presentation file...
Social Media Examples
- Vent account tweet: Just need to get this off my chest: I'm really struggling right now and feel totally alone. #MentalHealth #Vent
- Blog post: Getting It Off My Chest: Why I Quit My Corporate Job
- Forum post (AITA): AITA for telling my friend something harsh? I had to get it off my chest.
Response Patterns
- (If asked) Yeah, actually there is something... (Followed by confession)
- (If asked) No, I'm fine, thanks. (Declining)
- (After someone confesses) Thanks for telling me. / I'm glad you told me.
- (After someone confesses) That must have been weighing on you.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone agrees to talk (Yeah, actually...):
- The listener usually adopts an attentive, supportive posture, perhaps saying I'm listening or What's up?.
After someone has confessed (Thanks for telling me):
- The listener might offer advice, comfort, or simply acknowledge the difficulty. That sounds tough. What are you going to do now? or Don't worry, we all make mistakes.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, can be used to gently initiate a serious or personal conversation if you sense someone is troubled. You seem down. Need to get something off your chest?
Intonation
- When offering someone the chance: Do you need to get something off your CHEST? (Inviting tone).
- When describing the action: I needed to GET that off my CHEST. (Relief or emphasis).
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.