home truth

noun

1. an indisputable fact or basic truth, especially one whose accuracy may cause discomfort or embarrassment.

home truth

noun

1. (often plural) an unpleasant fact told to a person about himself

Word History and Origins

Origin of home truth¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Idioms and Phrases

A key or basic truth, especially one that is discomforting to acknowledge. For example, It's time you told a few home truths here, such as where your campaign finances actually came from. This expression uses home in the sense of “the very heart of a matter.” [c. 1700]