home truth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Semi-formal to informal. More common in spoken language, journalism, and opinion writing.
Quick answer
What does “home truth” mean?
A fact or statement that is true but is difficult or uncomfortable to hear, especially about one's own flaws or situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fact or statement that is true but is difficult or uncomfortable to hear, especially about one's own flaws or situation.
An unwelcome but accurate criticism or assessment of a personal matter, often delivered bluntly by someone close. It implies a confrontation with reality that was previously ignored or denied.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More established and slightly more frequent in British English. In American English, 'hard truth' or 'cold, hard truth' are common alternatives.
Connotations
UK: Often has a connotation of domestic or personal revelation within a family or close group. US: May sound slightly British or literary but is understood; when used, it carries the same core meaning.
Frequency
Common in UK media and conversation. Recognized but less commonly used in everyday US speech, where 'hard truth' is more typical.
Grammar
How to Use “home truth” in a Sentence
[Subject] told/gave [Recipient] a home truth about [Topic].[Recipient] had to face/hear a home truth.It's time for [Recipient] to hear a few home truths.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “home truth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He finally home-truthed her about her spending.
- I'm not one to home-truth unnecessarily.
American English
- She home-truthed him about his career prospects.
- They home-truth each other regularly.
adverb
British English
- He spoke home-truthfully (very rare).
American English
- She stated it home-truthfully (extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- A home-truth moment
- A home-truth session (rare)
American English
- A home-truth conversation
- That was a real home-truth statement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'The consultant delivered some home truths about the company's outdated management structure.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose; may appear in socio-linguistic or psychological discussions about interpersonal communication.
Everyday
'I had to tell my flatmate a few home truths about his messiness.'
Technical
Not applicable in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “home truth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “home truth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “home truth”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'He told her home truth'). It is nearly always 'a home truth' or 'some home truths'.
- Confusing it with 'house truth' or 'home fact'.
- Using it to describe a simple, non-critical fact (e.g., 'The home truth is that it's raining').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word noun phrase, typically hyphenated when used attributively (e.g., 'a home-truth moment').
Almost never. The essence of the phrase is the discomfort of hearing an unflattering truth. Even if it leads to positive change, the delivery itself is negative.
They are very similar. 'Home truth' often implies the truth is personal and related to one's private life or character, while 'hard truth' can be about any difficult fact (e.g., a hard truth about economics). 'Home truth' feels more interpersonal.
Very commonly. The phrase 'to tell someone a few home truths' is a standard collocation, implying a series of criticisms.
A fact or statement that is true but is difficult or uncomfortable to hear, especially about one's own flaws or situation.
Home truth is usually semi-formal to informal. more common in spoken language, journalism, and opinion writing. in register.
Home truth: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊm ˈtruːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊm ˈtruːθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bitter pill to swallow”
- “Tell it like it is”
- “Face the music”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine being at HOME, where your family tells you the TRUTH about your bad habits—it's uncomfortable but honest.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRUTH IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE DELIVERED/SPOKEN (tell a home truth). AWARENESS IS LIGHT (shed light on a home truth).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'home truth'?