get something off your chest
To tell someone about something that has been worrying you
بهطور تحتاللفظی: To remove an object from the top of your chest area.
Use this to share a burden or secret that has been causing you stress or anxiety.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Share a secret to feel emotional relief immediately.
- Use it when a worry feels like a physical weight.
- Perfect for deep conversations with friends or family.
معنی
Imagine you are carrying a heavy rock in your arms. Telling someone your secret or worry is like dropping that rock. You finally feel light and relieved.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Admitting a mistake to a friend
I have to get this off my chest: I was the one who scratched your car.
I need to tell you this: I scratched your car.
Talking to a partner about feelings
I've been unhappy with our routine, and I just needed to get it off my chest.
I've been unhappy and needed to tell you.
A boss speaking to a team in a relaxed setting
I'll feel better once I get this off my chest: we have a tough month ahead.
I need to be honest: next month will be hard.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase reflects the Western psychological idea that 'bottling up' emotions is unhealthy. It became widely used in the early 20th century as people began to value emotional transparency and 'confession' outside of religious contexts. In the UK and US, it is often seen as a brave or necessary step toward fixing a relationship.
The 'Relief' Signal
Use this phrase when you want the other person to just listen, not necessarily solve the problem.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for every small thought, it loses its power. Save it for the 'heavy' stuff!
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Share a secret to feel emotional relief immediately.
- Use it when a worry feels like a physical weight.
- Perfect for deep conversations with friends or family.
What It Means
Think of a heavy weight pressing down on your heart. This phrase is about relief. It means sharing a secret or a worry. You tell someone something you have been hiding. Once you say it, the pressure disappears. It is not just about talking. It is about the feeling of freedom after talking.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the word need. You might say, "I need to get this off my chest." You can also use it after the fact. "I feel better now that I got that off my chest." It is a very active phrase. You are the one doing the work to feel better. It is like opening a valve to let out steam.
When To Use It
Use this when a secret is eating away at you. Maybe you accidentally broke your friend's favorite mug. Perhaps you have a crush on a coworker. It works great in emotional conversations. Use it when you are about to say something difficult. It prepares the listener for a serious moment. It is perfect for late-night talks or coffee dates.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, boring facts. If you forgot to buy milk, don't say this. It sounds too dramatic for trivial things. Also, avoid it in very stiff business reports. It is personal and emotional. If you use it with a stranger on the bus, they might feel awkward. Keep it for people you trust.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, we believe talking helps mental health. Keeping secrets is seen as physically heavy. The "chest" is often where people feel anxiety. You might feel a "tightness" there when stressed. This idiom connects your physical body to your emotions. It has been popular since the early 1900s in English literature.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say get it out in the open. Another similar one is venting. You might also hear spill your guts. That one is much more informal and a bit messy! Get it off my chest is the most common and balanced version. It focuses on the relief you feel, not just the information.
نکات کاربردی
This idiom is very common in daily life. It sits in the 'informal to neutral' range, making it safe for most social situations but too personal for formal academic writing.
The 'Relief' Signal
Use this phrase when you want the other person to just listen, not necessarily solve the problem.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it for every small thought, it loses its power. Save it for the 'heavy' stuff!
The Physical Connection
English speakers often touch their upper chest or heart when saying this to emphasize the feeling of weight.
مثالها
6I have to get this off my chest: I was the one who scratched your car.
I need to tell you this: I scratched your car.
Used to introduce a confession.
I've been unhappy with our routine, and I just needed to get it off my chest.
I've been unhappy and needed to tell you.
Helps start a difficult but necessary conversation.
I'll feel better once I get this off my chest: we have a tough month ahead.
I need to be honest: next month will be hard.
Adds a human touch to professional news.
Can we talk? I have something I really need to get off my chest.
Can we talk? I have a secret to tell you.
Creates a sense of urgency and importance.
I need to get this off my chest... I actually hated that movie everyone loves.
I have to admit I didn't like that popular movie.
Uses the drama of the phrase for a lighthearted topic.
Thanks for listening. I really needed to get that off my chest.
Thanks for listening. I needed to say that.
Used at the end of a conversation to show gratitude.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
I've been keeping this secret for weeks, and I finally need to ___ it off my chest.
The standard idiom always uses the verb `get` to describe the action of releasing the worry.
Identify the best situation to use this phrase.
Which scenario fits 'get something off your chest'?
This phrase is for emotional burdens or secrets, not everyday tasks.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality level of 'Get it off your chest'
Slang like 'spill your guts'
Spill your guts, man!
Perfect for friends and family
I need to get this off my chest.
Professional alternatives
I would like to voice a concern.
When to use this phrase
Confessing a mistake
I broke the vase.
Sharing a worry
I'm scared about the exam.
Revealing a crush
I like Sarah.
Expressing frustration
I'm tired of this job.
سوالات متداول
10 سوالUsually, yes. It is typically a worry, a guilt, or a frustration. However, it can be a 'good' secret that is hard to keep, like a surprise party you almost ruined.
Yes, but keep it for one-on-one meetings with a trusted manager. You might say, I need to get this off my chest regarding the project.
They are close! Venting is usually complaining to release anger. Getting something off your chest is more about revealing a specific truth or secret.
No, that is not a standard idiom. Even though you feel it in your heart, the phrase always uses chest.
It might sound sarcastic or funny. If you say, I need to get this off my chest: I like your shoes, people will probably laugh at your drama.
Not at all. It is actually quite vulnerable and honest. It shows you trust the person you are talking to.
Friends, family, partners, or even a therapist. It is for anyone you feel comfortable being honest with.
It is similar, but confess sounds more like a crime. Get it off your chest sounds more like a personal relief.
Absolutely. It is a great way to start a serious text conversation: Hey, I have something I need to get off my chest.
Yes! You can say, I got it off my chest. This means you already told the secret and feel better now.
عبارات مرتبط
Spill the beans
To reveal a secret (often someone else's).
Get it out of your system
To do something you've wanted to do so you can move on.
Speak your mind
To say honestly what you think.
Bite your tongue
To stop yourself from saying something.
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