Honest Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

In this blog post, we’re going to explore some fun sayings called idioms that use the word “honest” or are about being honest. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a special meaning that people understand. Even kids can learn these!

Honest Idioms

Here are 20 honest idioms in English.

1. Honest as the day is long

Meaning: Very honest

Example: He’s as honest as the day is long.

2. Honest to God

Meaning: Truly or really

Example: Honest to God, I didn’t take it.

3. Make an honest buck

Meaning: Earn money honestly

Example: He just wants to make an honest buck.

4. An honest mistake

Meaning: A genuine mistake

Example: It was an honest mistake.

5. Honest to goodness

Meaning: Really, truly

Example: That was an honest to goodness shock.

6. In all honesty

Meaning: Being completely truthful

Example: In all honesty, I disliked the movie.

7. Keep an honest shop

Meaning: Run a business honestly

Example: She keeps an honest shop.

8. Honest broker

Meaning: A fair mediator

Example: He is known as an honest broker.

9. Lead an honest life

Meaning: Live in a truthful and upright way

Example: He tries to lead an honest life.

10. On my honest word

Meaning: I promise or swear

Example: On my honest word, I’ll help.

11. Plead honest

Meaning: Claim innocence honestly

Example: He pled honest at the trial.

12. By honest means

Meaning: Without cheating

Example: He wins by honest means.

13. Die an honest death

Meaning: Die honorably

Example: He died an honest death.

14. Honest work

Meaning: Genuine, respectable work

Example: He’s looking for honest work.

15. Earn an honest living

Meaning: Make money legally and ethically

Example: She earns an honest living.

16. Honest mistake

Meaning: A genuine error

Example: It was just an honest mistake.

17. Your honest opinion

Meaning: What you truly think

Example: Give me your honest opinion.

18. Have an honest face

Meaning: Look trustworthy

Example: He has an honest face.

19. Count on your honest effort

Meaning: Rely on your sincere attempt

Example: We count on your honest effort.

20. A penny for your honest thoughts

Meaning: Tell me what you’re really thinking

Example: A penny for your honest thoughts?

Honest Idioms