fess up
To tell the truth and say you did something wrong after trying to hide it.
Meanings
To confess or admit to doing something wrong, especially after initially denying or hiding it.
"Come on, just fess up — who ate the last slice of cake?"
"It's time to fess up to your mistakes."
— Common colloquial expression; widely used in American media.
To reveal a secret or hidden information about oneself, often under pressure.
"After three hours of questioning, he finally fessed up about where the money had gone."
Chiefly American English, though understood in British English. Very informal and conversational. Often used in a light-hearted or humorous tone for minor confessions, as well as for more serious ones. Frequently followed by 'to + noun/gerund': 'fess up to taking the cookie'.
Commonly used with
Forms
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