Trust is the bedrock of relationships and communication. Without trust, how do we connect with others and make sense of the world around us? And how beautifully does language embody the myriad aspects of trust? Have you ever thought about how we talk about trust in English and how idioms add color to this universal human concept?
Buckle up as we embark on an enlightening journey, exploring 25 widely-used idioms that revolve around the theme of trust:
1. In someone’s good books: To be in a person’s favor or good graces.
Example: By working hard, he managed to stay in his boss’s good books.
2. Take at face value: To accept something as it appears, without examining it further.
Example: I took his friendly demeanor at face value, but later I realized he wasn’t as nice as he seemed.
3. Go out on a limb: To put oneself in a risky situation in support of someone or something.
Example: I went out on a limb for her because I believed in her abilities.
4. Give someone the benefit of the doubt: To believe someone, even though the truth is uncertain.
Example: He seemed sincere, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
5. A safe pair of hands: Someone reliable, who can be trusted to avoid mistakes.
Example: I trust her with this project; she’s a safe pair of hands.
6. Take someone at their word: To believe that what someone says is true.
Example: When she promised to fix the situation, I took her at her word.
7. Bank on someone/something: To depend on someone or something.
Example: We can bank on his expertise to solve this problem.
8. Put one’s faith in: To trust or believe in someone or something.
Example: He put his faith in his team, knowing they would not let him down.
9. Keep one’s word: To fulfill a promise.
Example: She always keeps her word, so I trust her.
10. On a silver platter: To have something given or available easily, without any effort.
Example: You can’t expect to have success delivered on a silver platter; you need to earn it.
11. In the same boat: In the same situation or predicament.
Example: We’re all in the same boat here, so we need to trust each other and work together.
12. Put one’s cards on the table: To be open and honest about one’s intentions.
Example: I appreciate it when people put their cards on the table; it builds trust.
13. On the level: Honest and truthful.
Example: His proposal seemed to be on the level, so we decided to go ahead with it.
14. Swear on one’s life: To promise sincerely and seriously that what you are saying is true.
Example: He swore on his life that he hadn’t touched the money.
15. True to one’s word: To do what one promised to do.
Example: He’s always been true to his word, which is why people trust him.
16. Hold water: If an explanation or argument holds water, it is clear, reasonable, or persuasive.
Example: His story doesn’t hold water; there must be more to it than he’s letting on.
17. Leave no stone unturned: To do everything you can to achieve your goal.
Example: I will leave no stone unturned to earn your trust back.
18. Earn one’s stripes: To gain the experience and respect needed for a position.
Example: He earned his stripes in the company and is now one of the most trusted employees.
19. As good as one’s word: If someone is as good as their word, they do what they promise.
Example: She is as good as her word; if she said she’ll do it, she will.
20. Stand by someone: To support or remain loyal to someone, especially in a difficult situation.
Example: Despite the criticism, I decided to stand by my friend because I trust him.
21. Have a heart of gold: To be kind and generous.
Example: She has a heart of gold and always helps people in need.
22. A man of his word: A person who does what he says he will do.
Example: My grandfather was a man of his word and everyone trusted him.
23. Wear one’s heart on one’s sleeve: To openly express one’s feelings or emotions.
Example: He always wears his heart on his sleeve; you can trust his reactions to be genuine.
24. Hold one’s own: To be able to defend oneself or to succeed on one’s own.
Example: He can hold his own in any situation, so you can trust him to handle this.
25. Stand one’s ground: To maintain one’s position, despite opposition.
Example: He stood his ground and did not let the criticism sway his beliefs.
In conclusion, idioms related to trust depict the broad spectrum of emotions and situations associated with the concept. From being in someone’s good books, going out on a limb for them, or keeping one’s word, these idioms add depth and context to our understanding of trust. So, the next time you discuss trust, remember these idioms to express your thoughts more colorfully!
