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

"I found myself improving in confidence, in talking to people, even serving people, talking to an interviewer who's asking you questions," he said.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

Rebellion was rare in post-war parliaments but became more common in the Major, Blair and coalition governments as backbenchers grew in confidence and party management weakened.

From BBC • May 16, 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

My father looked at me with a new face, strange and terrifying to me for what it lacked in confidence.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

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