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

Corcoran added: “He has grown in confidence, and I think he’s grown in an understanding of his own power to get things done.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

In a statement responding to the US plans, Afghanistan's foreign ministry said nationals abroad could return in "confidence and peace of mind", insisting there was no safety threat.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

“We did see a big decrease in confidence among retirees this year — a decline that we haven’t seen since post-COVID,” said Craig Copeland, director of wealth benefits research at EBRI.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

However, the new survey found double-digit, across-the-board declines in confidence in the last year, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 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