honest

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♦ hon|est /'ɒnɪst/
1 [ADJ]
If you describe someone as honest, you mean that they always tell the truth, and do not try to deceive people or break the law.
I know she's honest and reliable.
● honestly [ADV] ADV after v
She fought honestly for a just cause and for freedom.
2 [ADJ]
If you are honest in a particular situation, you tell the complete truth or give your sincere opinion, even if this is not very pleasant.
I was honest about what I was doing...
He had been honest with her and she had tricked him!...
= frank
● honestly [ADV] ADV with v
It came as a shock to hear an old friend speak so honestly about Ted.
= frankly
3 [ADV] ADV with cl
You say `honest' before or after a statement to emphasize that you are telling the truth and that you want people to believe you. (INFORMAL)
I'm not sure, honest.
4 [PHRASE] PHR with cl, PHR n
Some people say `honest to God' to emphasize their feelings or to emphasize that something is really true. (INFORMAL)
I wish we weren't doing this, Lillian, honest to God, I really do...
5 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You can say `to be honest' before or after a statement to indicate that you are telling the truth about your own opinions or feelings, especially if you think these will disappoint the person you are talking to.
To be honest the house is not quite our style...hon|est bro|ker (honest brokers)
[N-COUNT] usu sing
If a person or country acts as an honest broker, they try to help people resolve a dispute or arrange a deal by talking to all sides and finding out what they want, without favouring any one side.
Canada's prime minister will be hoping to play honest broker in the row between the United States and Japan.

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