own up (to), to
“Own up (to), to” - To admit something, to confess. Dating from the mid-1800s, this expression seems to use “own” in the sense of possessing responsibility for something. “On being arrested he owned up to his crime,” appeared in the Boston Journal (May 23, 1890).
Synonyms:
- Fess up
- Come clean
- Make a clean breast of
- Spill the beans
Antonyms:
- Deny
- Cover up
- Conceal
- Hide
Similar Expressions:
- Fess up: Another way of saying you admit to something. Short and sweet.
- Come clean: To finally tell the truth, possibly after some deception.
- Make a clean breast of: Also to admit and confess openly, often associated with guilt or wrongdoing.
- Spill the beans: To reveal a secret.
Boost Your Credibility: Quotes, Proverbs, and Fictional References:
-
Quotes:
“The truth only hurts once, but a lie hurts every time you remember it.” - Mark Twain
-
Proverb:
“Confession is good for the soul.” – Scottish Proverb
Literary References:
- The Tell-Tale Heart* by Edgar Allan Poe - The ultimate “own up” (fictitious or otherwise); an agonizing admission drives this chilling tale.
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling - The phrase “own up” appears several times when confessions are made, think Tom Riddle’s diary admitting its dark past.
Musical Mentions:
- 🎶“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”🎶 by Elton John - Sometimes owning up is just that tough.
- 🎶“Confessions Part II”🎶 by Usher - An entire anthem dedicated to the art of confession.
Films to Checkout:
- Liar Liar (1997) - Jim Carrey finds out how brutally honest one can be, sometimes to hilarious effects.
- A Few Good Men (1992) - “You can’t handle the truth!” is iconic for good reason; this film is a masterclass in compelling confessions.
### Which of these means to confess?
- [x] Own up to
- [ ] Climb up to
- [ ] Jump out of
- [ ] Dive into
> **Explanation:** "Own up to" means to admit or confess something, taking responsibility for it.
### Which phrase can substitute "own up (to)"?
- [ ] Swim through it
- [x] Come clean
- [ ] Hide away
- [ ] Bark up a tree
> **Explanation:** "Come clean" is another way of saying you admit the truth, similar to "own up (to)."
### True or False: 'Spill the beans' means to reveal or tell a secret.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Spill the beans" is indeed an idiom phrase that means to reveal or expose a secret.
### What does **'make a clean breast of'** mean?
- [x] To admit and confess openly
- [ ] To clean a bird
- [ ] A type of exercise
- [ ] To prepare for a party
> **Explanation:** "Make a clean breast of" means to admit and confess openly, usually concerning something one feels guilty about.
As we navigate through life’s whims and wherewithal, let us find the strength to “own up” when needed, and embrace the challenge of truth-telling. Owning our flaws is the first step in blossoming into a more authentic self.
Much truth, C. Candortruth
