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.

---

Example Sentences

I like the way that he started to blossom a bit and you could see him gaining in confidence.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 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

Kimiko takes Hana under her wing and helps her grow in confidence, and the pair open a bar called Lemon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

They had hoped their visit would be taken in confidence, a phrase which here means “kept a secret between Mr. Poe and themselves and not blabbed to Count Olaf.”

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

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