Phrase Finder

Idioms · 5 entries

Honesty

What does "Honesty" mean?

Decide to believe a statement which isn't proven.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Britain, 15th century.

Make no bones about

Britain, late 19th century.

Mea culpa

Latin. a literal translation is ‘I am culpable’.

Shoot straight

USA, 1930s.

Straight from the horses mouth

Uncertain origin, probably 20th century USA.

Entry 1

Give the benefit of the doubt

Meaning Decide to believe a statement which isn't proven.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • He says he used to run the 100 yards in 10 seconds. I'm not sure but he looks pretty fit so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

Pronunciation

Entry 2

Make no bones about

Meaning To state a fact so there are no doubts about it.

Usage Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.

Example

  • I'll make no bones about it - Pol Pot was a murdering dictator.

Pronunciation

Entry 3

Mea culpa

Meaning I'm to blame.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • The white washing came out pink again. Sorry, mea culpa, my red socks got mixed in with the sheets.

Pronunciation

Entry 4

Shoot straight

Meaning To talk or deal honestly.

Usage Mostly USA.

Example

  • I've worked with Jabril for twenty years and never had reason to doubt his word. He's a real straight-shooter.

Pronunciation

Entry 5

Straight from the horses mouth

Meaning Heard from the authoritative source.

Usage Worldwide.

Example

  • There's going to be an election in May. My sister is the Prime Ministers secretary so I got that straight from the horses mouth.

Pronunciation