What it means
To finally confess, admit the truth, or own up to what you’ve been hiding. It’s the moment you stop dodging, drop the excuses, and lay it out straight, whether it’s a serious screw-up or something daft like nicking the last biscuit. Often said when you know the truth’s about to come out anyway, and you’d rather get ahead of it.
Usage examples
"Mate, before you hear it from Dave, I’m coming clean, I clipped the wing mirror parking and legged it. I’ll sort it."
"He finally came clean about where he had really been all weekend."
"Just come clean with her, she will respect the honesty more than the excuse."
Where it comes from
Clean here means honest and clear, with nothing hidden or murky, so to come clean is to wash away the concealment and lay the truth bare. After hiding something, you come clean by finally confessing the whole of it, dirt and all. The phrase carries that sense of relief at getting something off your chest and standing in the open with a clear conscience.
Other ways to say it
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.