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

However, the new survey found double-digit, across-the-board declines in confidence in the last year, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 16, 2026

The 2016 Olympian grew in confidence with each round as it became clearer that his game plan of staying on the outside and carefully choosing when to engage was working.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Stidham grew in confidence as the first half progressed, without adding to the lead.

From Barron's • Jan. 25, 2026

But the rise in confidence could struggle to hold.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

They had hoped their visit would be taken in confidence, a phrase which here means “kept a secret between Mr. Poe and themselves and not blabbed to Count Olaf.”

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

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