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

See Examples For:

in confidence

Do you have a story to share with the BBC London investigations team in confidence?

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 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 like the way that he started to blossom a bit and you could see him gaining in confidence.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026

He told us in confidence that merger talks among Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt, Dallas Cowboys president Tex Schramm and Mr. Rozelle had concluded that morning.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 7, 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