in confidence

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mired in a drought, she toyed with entering another last-minute tune-up tournament to chase the match victories that usually build confidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

To build confidence, it isn’t just about going after a Ponzi scheme, which we all agree we have to go after.

From Barron's • Apr. 18, 2026

Free cooking sessions are being held in Godalming to bring people together, help them make healthy choices and build confidence in the kitchen.

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

“This structure supports hands‑on learning and helps teens build confidence, financial literacy and responsible investing habits before adulthood.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

She could gather no elation of spirits now by looking forward, but only by looking backward to build confidence on past words and caresses.

From Adam Bede by Eliot, George

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

in confidence

Example Sentences

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