honesty

be (something) itself

To be the embodiment of a particular trait (stated between "be" and "itself"). My mom is just kindness itself—she's always willing to help anyone in need.
See also: itself

honesty is the best policy

proverb Telling the truth is always the best course of action, even when being dishonest would be easier or more useful. I think you should just explain what happened, rather than trying to cover your tracks. Honesty is the best policy, after all. Secrets like that will always find their way to the surface, so honesty is definitely the best policy.
See also: honesty, policy

in all honesty

In one's sincere opinion; without any disingenuousness. In all honesty, I think this project plan is severely flawed.
See also: all, honesty
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Honesty is the best policy.

Prov. You should always tell the truth, even when it seems as if it would be useful to tell a lie. Jill: I borrowed Jane's white blouse without asking her, and then I spilled tomato sauce on it. Should I tell her what happened, or should I just put the blouse back in her closet and hope she won't notice? Jane: Honesty is the best policy.
See also: honesty, policy
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

in all ˈhonesty

speaking honestly: I can’t in all honesty say that I’ve had much experience of this kind of work, but I’m willing to try it.
See also: all, honesty

be ˌpatience, ˌhonesty, simˌplicity, etc. itˈself

be an example of complete patience, etc: The manager of the hotel was courtesy itself. Programming the video is simplicity itself.
See also: itself
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • kindness
  • patience
  • simplicity
  • be (something) itself
  • be patience, honesty, simplicity, etc. itself
  • in and of itself
  • blow itself out
  • by itself
  • engorge
  • engorge itself on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
The honesty store has no seller hence, the buyer should pay an exact amount.
Pangasinan town opens 'honesty store' at municipal hall
According to published research studies conducted in 2017 and 2018, Atlantic Canadians rank amongst the highest in their level of civic honesty in Canada.
Canada's First Airport Honesty Shop Opens in Halifax
The whole honesty bar process and concept tells you a lot about you.
Would you pass this test of honesty? -- Jim Duffy
In our present political season, honesty has become a controversy.
Fact, truth, honesty
(What I said was it will not be the opposition which will say what a candidate should be, and that honesty was really not a requirement for any candidate.)
Sara Duterte lashes at de Lima for 'honesty' requirement statement
"That is the reason why they should not attack other candidates about honesty because they are themselves liars.
Honesty an election issue? It depends, says Duterte
The mayor also maintained her previous statement that honesty should not be a campaign issue after allegations that former presidential aide Bong Go, whom the mayor endorses, used public funds for his senatorial run.
Mayor Sara blasts Robredo; official branded as a 'fake VP'
The result was a document that clearly defined honesty and integrity at Holy Family Catholic Academy.
Students help draft school Honesty Policy
Explaining how he would assess contestants, Sir Tom said: "Honesty is the first thing.
Honesty the best policy for Sir Tom
Islam sanctifies life and all its pursuits provided they were performed with honesty, justice and pure intents.
Significance of Honesty in Muslim society
Most people value the moral principle of honesty. At the same time, they frequently avoid being honest with people in their everyday lives.
Can being honest have consequences?
Harold Nicolson, a former British diplomat and author of "Diplomacy," once said that honesty is the first asset in negotiations.
Denuclearization needs elaborated details
Synopsis: With accusations swirling about their country's alleged meddling in other nations' elections, Russians' confidence in the honesty of their own elections reached a high of 40% in 2017.
Four in 10 Russians Confident in Honesty of Their Elections
WASHINGTON, D.C.--For the 16th consecutive year, Americans' ratings of the honesty and ethical standards of 22 occupations finds nurses at the top of the list.
Nurses Keep Healthy Lead as Most Honest, Ethical Profession