honest to God

See also: honest-to-God

English

Alternative forms

• honest-to-God

Etymology

Compare swear to God. Originally used as a sentence adverb or interjection, modifying entire clauses or utterances; honest itself is used this way, as in “Honest, I had no idea!” (meaning “I'm telling the truth, I had no idea!”).

Adjective

honest to God (not comparable)

1. Alternative form of honest-to-God

Adverb

honest to God (not comparable)

1. Honest; truly, really; used to emphasize that a statement is true.

   Honest to God, I thought you already knew!

2. Truly, really.

   She is honest to God brilliant.

Synonyms

• honest to goodness (bowdlerised)
• honest to gods (polytheistic, rare)