in confidence

Idioms  

1. Also, in strict confidence. Privately, on condition that what is said will not be revealed. For example, The doctor told her in confidence that her mother was terminally ill, or He told us in strict confidence that Gail was pregnant. This idiom was first recorded in 1632. Also see take into one's confidence.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in confidence

The visitors grew in confidence and returning flanker Alex Mann even briefly managed to get under the skin of the Springboks.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

China’s consumer recovery may be less about a broad rebound in confidence and more about pockets of spending where companies can convert anxiety, loneliness, aging, and lifestyle aspiration into services.

From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026

"I found myself improving in confidence, in talking to people, even serving people, talking to an interviewer who's asking you questions," he said.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

The fall in confidence also presents a concern for the European Central Bank, which sees a pickup in consumption as key to any rebound in economic growth.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026

I don’t think Coach should be telling me what Boy21 says to his grandparents in confidence, but he keeps talking.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Related Words

• clandestinely
• covertly
• furtively
• personally
• privately
• quietly
• stealthily
• surreptitiously