Make a clean breast of something

usgb
verb phrase

To confess or admit something, usually a wrongdoing or mistake.

He decided to make a clean breast of it and admit that he had been to blame.
Visual representation of "make a clean breast of something" - to confess or admit something, usually a wrongdoing or mistake

Often appears as...

  • make a clean breast of the truth
  • make a clean breast of a lie

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "make a clean breast of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Honest Admission

This phrase often implies owning up with honesty and sincerity, typically when under pressure or guilt.

Illustration for Honest Admission
After the interrogation, she decided to make a clean breast of everything.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Relief

People use this phrase to express the emotional relief felt after admitting something difficult.

Illustration for Emotional Relief
Once I made a clean breast of my mistakes, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.
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Serious Contexts

The phrase is mostly used in serious or solemn contexts, not for trivial admissions.

Illustration for Serious Contexts
In the face of the consequences, he made a clean breast of his actions.
Visual representation of the word "Make a clean breast of something"

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