if I'm honest

if I'm honest

A phrase used to underscore that one is sharing one's true feelings. It is often used when the speaker is reluctant to speak truthfully. A: "So how do you feel about this plan?" B: "Well, if I'm honest, I think it's a big mistake."
See also: honest, if
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a cold day in Hell
  • (one's) jollies
  • eggs is eggs
  • (one's) best foot forward
  • best foot forward
  • come in
  • come in a certain position
  • come on in
  • damn well
  • as one does
References in periodicals archive
He's loving, kind and an all-round really nice fella although, if I'm honest, I'm not attracted to him at all at the moment - but he's my best friend and we get on really well.
I feel nothing for my fella since my sister's suicide
'But, if I'm honest with myself, I didn't get much of a look in throughout the first part of the season anyway.
'If I'm honest, I had spent most of the month thinking about even going somewhere on loan just to start playing football again.
Football: I KNEW I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF IBROX TO SAVE MY CAREER