in confidence

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Related Words

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