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

In the years since their fighters swept into Kabul on 15 August 2021, they've grown in confidence and consolidated control despite intermittent attacks by armed opposition groups based abroad, as well as Islamic State fighters.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 10, 2026

And so the way Brazil defended was to drop deep and watch Norway exchange their passes and grow in confidence.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

China’s consumer recovery may be less about a broad rebound in confidence and more about pockets of spending where companies can convert anxiety, loneliness, aging, and lifestyle aspiration into services.

From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026

I don’t think Coach should be telling me what Boy21 says to his grandparents in confidence, but he keeps talking.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick

Related Words

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