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- come clean
come clean
come clean (with someone) (about something)
Fig. to be honest with somebody about something. I want you to come clean with me about your financial status. Sam will come clean with me. I know he will.
come clean
to tell the truth about something you have tried to hide I should probably come clean now and admit that I don't really know how to cook at all.
come clean
to tell the truth, often about something bad that you have been trying to keep a secret I felt it was time to come clean and tell her what the doctor had told me. (often + about ) It's time for the Chancellor to come clean about the proposed tax rises.
come clean
Confess everything, as in If you come clean about what happened I will promise to keep it to myself. [Slang; early 1900s]
come clean
To confess all.