the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

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the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

The absolute truth about something, without omission, embellishment, or alteration. Used to swear in witnesses while giving evidence in court, and used by extension in other contexts. Place your hand on the Bible—do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Where did the money go? Tell me the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
See also: and, but, nothing, truth, whole
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

the full and unvarnished truth.
These words are part of the statement sworn by witnesses giving evidence in court. They are often used informally to emphasize the absolute veracity of a statement.
See also: and, but, nothing, truth, whole
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
She struggles with the questioning, while a nervous Vanessa's failure to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth looks like it could have scuppered the case.
Should we not always be compelled to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or our understanding of the truth, so help us?
It's like when you take the oath in court - you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Sometimes you tell it and nobody wants to listen.
In the film, his son's birthday wish is that his lawyer dad has to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Will you tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?