tell the truth — be honest
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
to say what really happened or what you really think, without lying or hiding anything.
Say it like a native
Textbook I implore you to be truthful regarding the matter.
Native Just tell me the truth.
Natural; 'implore you to be truthful' is theatrical.
Pattern: tell the truth (about sth)
In use
- If you tell the truth, people will trust you more.daily life
- In my opinion, it's always better to tell the truth, even if it's difficult, because honesty builds stronger relationships.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Please say the truth.
✓ Please tell the truth.
You TELL the truth, not 'say' it.
Common collocations
tell the truth— tell me, to be honest, whole, always
Don't confuse it
Compare with 'lie' (to say something that is not true).