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]

Example Sentences

I’ve learned a lot of blistering home truths about myself along the way.

From Time

A brotherly home-truth followed: "Nobody asked you, sir, she said!"

From Project Gutenberg

She took my hand in hers as if she wanted to compensate for this home-truth by her light touch upon it.

From Project Gutenberg

Were I senior of the school, and Arthur not my brother, Mr. Mark should hear a little home truth about sneaks.

From Project Gutenberg

That was the kind of home truth which the public appreciated and even paid their money to hear.

From Project Gutenberg

Still, out of the mouth of the simple one may sometimes hear a home truth.

From Project Gutenberg