strict

in confidence

In private; with the understanding that what was said will not be revealed. Sometimes used with the modifiers "strict" or "the strictest." I can't believe you told your husband about my operation—I told that to you in confidence! Gentlemen, please be aware that this meeting is being held in the strictest confidence.
See also: confidence

in the strict(est) sense

Following the narrowest and most precise interpretation (of something). While not correct in the strictest sense, the word has been widely accepted among most English speakers. I wouldn't call her a socialist in the strict sense, but some of her beliefs definitely lean that way.
See also: sense
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in confidence

Also, in strict confidence. Privately, on condition that what is said will not be revealed. For example, The doctor told her in confidence that her mother was terminally ill, or He told us in strict confidence that Gail was pregnant. This idiom was first recorded in 1632. Also see take into one's confidence.
See also: confidence
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • in confidence
  • hold out hope
  • hold out little, etc. hope
  • give some thought to
  • give thought to (something)
  • give (something) thought
  • make (one's) position clear
  • make position clear
  • stand off from
  • stand off from (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
The strict rest group spent an average 3.8 hours in school or after-school activities, compared to 6.7 hours among the usual-care group (P < .05).
Strict rest after concussions: more symptoms reported: it took 3 days longer for half of the strict-rest group to report fully resolved symptoms
RACE II randomized 614 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation at 33 Dutch medical centers to strict or lenient rate control to be achieved with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and/or digoxin.
Looser heart rate control found beneficial in atrial fib
RACE II randomized 614 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation at 33 Dutch medical centers to strict or lenient rate control via beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and/or digoxin.
Looser heart rate control safe in atrial fib
He is careful not to come down harshly on any side and acknowledges that strict construction became the most widely accepted position.
The Age of Strict Construction: A History of the Growth of Federal Power, 1789-1861
Agbonlahor looks back now believing that his strict father helped him turn the corner.
My father got me back on track, says Gabby; VILLA NEWS
Berco Production is owned by the Swedish financial consulting services and investment company STRICT AB.
Berco Production AB receives secure transport boxes contract from Panaxia Security AB
Gallup has asked Americans 20 times over the last 16 years whether laws covering the sale of firearms should be made more strict, made less strict, or kept as they are now.
Gallup Summary: Americans and Gun Control; Public satisfied with gun laws, but open to making them more strict
MODIFIED VALUES OF THE STRICT MORPHOLOGY OF TYGERBERG IN THE SPERMATOZOA AND ITS RELATION WITH ABORTION OF REPETITION.
Modified values of the strict morphology of tygerberg in the spermatozoa and its relation with abortion of repetition
In addition, there are strict EPA and ADA guidelines to which we must adhere.
Healthcare guidelines provide prescription for good business
* The 1840s recessions resulted in strict immigration restrictions.
America's love-hate relationship with immigrants: one college president questions the renewed animosity toward this group
My dad is so strict. I know he loves me, but he doesn't really show it.
Poser much?
Islamic militias are stepping up their efforts to bring strict religious law to war-ravaged Somalia.
Somali militias may execute Muslims who skip prayers
If there is one phrase that every student of constitutional law learns, it is that fundamental rights trigger strict scrutiny.
Fundamentally wrong about fundamental rights
In recent years, the strict emphasis on cost, combined with strict end-strength limitations, has led to a reduction of in-house technical expertise and, some believe, if maintained over the longer term, will lead to the possible elimination of NWCF entities.
Issues and unexplored opportunities within the Navy Working Capital Fund