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

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

Private-sector investment is already faring poorly, and it remains unclear how policymakers can reverse a downturn in confidence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The service, at York High School, is free to use and can be accessed in confidence by parents who need additional support.

From BBC • Feb. 18, 2026

I had Miss Nesbitt in both tenth and eleventh grades, and during those years I grew in confidence.

From "Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice" by Phillip Hoose

Related Words

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