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

She says it has helped her grow in confidence, gain real-life experience while studying, and get mentoring.

From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026

The recent dip in confidence may have more to do with inflation, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026

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

My father looked at me with a new face, strange and terrifying to me for what it lacked in confidence.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

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