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

Rantzen persuaded the BBC after the programme was transmitted that a helpline should be set up so that children suffering abuse or neglect could call in confidence.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026

The decline in confidence comes despite the Ifo Institute’s business sentiment index on Thursday rising to a more-than-three-year high.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026

Do you have a story to share with the BBC London investigations team in confidence?

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 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

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Related Words

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

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