Trust is a cornerstone of all relationships, whether personal, professional, or social. This blog post explores 20 expressions that embody the concept of trust, providing insight into how they are used in everyday language. Each expression is accompanied by a concise definition and a practical example, enhancing your understanding and usage of these trust-related phrases.
1. Give the benefit of the doubt
Meaning: Assume trustworthiness
Example: Even though her story sounded odd, I gave her the benefit of the doubt.
2. Take at face value
Meaning: Accept as true
Example: He’s sincere, so take his words at face value.
3. Keep one’s word
Meaning: Honor promises
Example: He always keeps his word, so I trust him completely.
4. Seal of approval
Meaning: Show of trust
Example: The project had her seal of approval.
5. Stand by someone
Meaning: Remain loyal
Example: He stood by me during tough times.
6. Open book
Meaning: Fully transparent
Example: I’m an open book to my team.
7. Show one’s true colors
Meaning: Reveal real self
Example: She showed her true colors in the crisis.
8. Under someone’s wing
Meaning: Protected, guided
Example: He took her under his wing at work.
9. Build bridges
Meaning: Enhance relationships
Example: He builds bridges to foster trust among colleagues.
10. Burn bridges
Meaning: Destroy relationships
Example: He didn’t mean to burn bridges with his comments.
11. Bind someone to
Meaning: Commit trustfully
Example: This contract binds us to our promise.
12. Count on someone
Meaning: Rely on
Example: You can always count on her in emergencies.
13. Keep someone in the loop
Meaning: Keep informed
Example: Keep everyone in the loop to maintain trust.
14. Lay one’s cards on the table
Meaning: Be open and honest
Example: Let’s lay our cards on the table to build trust.
15. Have someone’s back
Meaning: Support loyally
Example: Don’t worry; I’ve got your back no matter what.
16. Take under one’s wing
Meaning: Protect and guide
Example: The manager took the new hire under his wing.
17. A leap of faith
Meaning: Trust without evidence
Example: Joining the startup was a leap of faith.
18. Put stock in
Meaning: Trust or believe in
Example: I put a lot of stock in her advice.
19. Bridge the gap
Meaning: Reduce differences
Example: This agreement will bridge the gap between our teams.
20. Turn the tide
Meaning: Change the situation
Example: His decision turned the tide in our favor.
