- The complete, unadulterated truth without any omissions, falsehoods, or distortions. Used to demand or promise absolute honesty.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes directly from the oath sworn by witnesses in courtrooms in English-speaking legal systems.
- The standard oath is typically: I swear [or affirm] to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, [so help me God].
- Using the phrase outside of court borrows the gravity and emphasizes the commitment to complete and total honesty.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- The real story / The real deal
- The straight dope (The true information, somewhat dated)
- Keep it 100 (AAVE origin: Be completely real/honest)
- No cap (AAVE origin: No lie, no exaggeration)
- The lowdown (The essential facts)
- Spill everything
- Get it all out
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- The goddamn truth
- The whole fucking story
- No bullshit
Milder:
- The full account
- Complete honesty
- Tell me everything
- Be completely candid
Situational Appropriateness
- Can range from formal (its origin) to informal (personal demands for honesty).
- Always carries a tone of seriousness and emphasizes the need for absolute truthfulness.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood due to cultural exposure. Learners should recognize its formal origins and the strong emphasis on completeness.
Examples
- Before you answer, I want the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
- He sat down and told her the whole truth and nothing but the truth about his past.
- As a journalist, my commitment is to report the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Dialogue
Parent: I found this broken lamp hidden in your closet. I want to know what happened. The whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Child: (Takes a deep breath) Okay. Me and my friends were playing ball inside, even though we knew we shouldn't. I accidentally hit the lamp. I panicked and hid it. I'm really sorry.
Social Media Examples
- Post (often humorous/ironic): Promised myself I'd only eat one cookie. Ended up eating the whole box. Time to tell my diet tracker the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 😠#DietFail
- Serious Post: After years of silence, I'm ready to share my experience. You deserve the whole truth and nothing but the truth. #MeToo #Survivor
- Comment on a news report: Is this article telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or is there spin?
Response Patterns
- Agreement to be truthful: Okay, I understand. I'll tell you everything.
- Providing the information honestly.
- Sometimes hesitation or nervousness if the truth is difficult or incriminating.
- Reassurance: You have my word.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After demanding the whole truth:
- Listen intently to the response.
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure completeness (Are you sure that's everything?).
- React to the information provided.
After promising the whole truth:
- Proceed to tell the full story honestly.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a demand for or promise of honesty within a specific context, usually serious.
Intonation
- Delivered with seriousness and emphasis on whole and nothing but.
- I need the WHOLE truth, and NOTHING BUT the truth.
- The cadence often mimics the formal delivery of a legal oath.
Generation Differences
- Widely recognized across generations due to its prevalence in legal dramas and popular culture. Younger generations might use it formally or sometimes ironically.
Regional Variations
- Common in all English-speaking regions with similar legal traditions (UK, US, Canada, Australia, etc.).