truth to tell

truth to tell

Speaking frankly and honestly. This phrase is another version of to tell the truth and dates from the mid-1300s. Both phrases are used to emphasize a statement, such as “Truth to tell, I hated the play.” See also if truth be told.
See also: tell, truth
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • go the way of (something)
  • if you will
  • so to speak
  • in the least
  • slight
  • or other
  • something or other
  • stock phrase
  • to be said for
  • struggle bus
References in classic literature
And, truth to tell, they needed collecting and setting in order not a little.
Tom Browns Schooldays
She must give up something, and truth to tell she possessed little to give, hardly anything but--yes, that would do, the beloved pink parasol.
Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm
He is related to one of my partners; but I am bound in truth to tell you that he is a very bad man.
The Two Destinies
"He's been away since yesterday mornin', sir, and, truth to tell, I am beginnin' to feel frightened about him.
Sign of the Four
I could not quarrel with this silent inspection very well, because, truth to tell, I felt somewhat guilty of having been sprung on him with some abruptness--of having "sprung from the ground," as he expressed it.
Under Western Eyes
But truth to tell, kung araw-araw na lang pati every table dito sa Pilipinas ganoon, hindi ko talaga mahabol,' Duterte said.
Duterte asks public to 'find another Marcos'