Fess up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfɛs/ /ˈəp

FESS-uhp

UK

fˈɛs/ /ˈʌp

FESS-uhp

Definition

To admit or tell the truth about something, especially something you did wrong; an informal way to say 'confess' or 'admit'.

Usage & Nuances

Very informal and conversational; often used when pressing someone to admit fault or a secret ('Come on, fess up!'). Used as a phrasal verb, never formal writing. Sometimes used humorously.

• Spanish: confesar - admitir (informal)
• Portuguese (BR): confessar - admitir (informal)
• Portuguese (PT): confessar - admitir (informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 坦白招供 - 老实承认
• Chinese (Traditional): 坦白招供 - 老實承認
• Hindi: सच स्वीकार करना - कबूल करना (गैर-आधिकारिक)
• Arabic: اعترف (بطريقة غير رسمية) - أقر
• Bengali: স্বীকার করা - খোলাখুলি বলা
• Russian: признаться
• Japanese: 白状する - 正直に言う
• Vietnamese: thú nhận - khai ra
• Korean: 실토하다 - 고백하다
• Turkish: itiraf etmek
• Urdu: سچ بتا دینا - اقرار کرنا
• Indonesian: ngaku - mengaku

Example Sentences

Just fess up if you broke the vase.

basic

He finally decided to fess up about cheating on the test.

basic

If you fess up now, the punishment will be less.

basic

Come on, just fess up—we all know you ate the last cookie.

natural

She wouldn't fess up, even after I showed her the evidence.

natural

It’s better to fess up now than to get caught later.

natural