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

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

From Barron's

"I'm quite a confident person in everything but it's the first time I lacked in confidence on the pitch."

From BBC

Consumer sentiment in the eurozone improved slightly in January, a monthly indicator showed Thursday, though hopes for a rebound in confidence could be short-lived amid rising tensions between the U.S. and Europe.

From The Wall Street Journal

But the rise in confidence could struggle to hold.

From The Wall Street Journal

This rebound in confidence for the young coincides with when the Bank of England started cutting interest rates.

From BBC

Related Words

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