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

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 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

Corcoran added: “He has grown in confidence, and I think he’s grown in an understanding of his own power to get things done.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 14, 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