English

Alternative forms

• lay bare one's soul

Verb

bare one's soul

1. (idiomatic) To reveal one's innermost feelings and thoughts, especially concerning one's doubts, regrets, or flaws; to tell one's personal secrets to others.
   • 1891, Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, ch. 1:

     "I will not bare my soul to their shallow prying eyes. My heart shall never be put under their microscope."

   • 1916, Gilbert Parker, The World For Sale, ch. 26:

     "Must a Romany bare his soul before a stranger?" replied Rhodo. . . . Must the secret of the dead be spoken before the robber of the dead—"

   • 1916, Kathleen Norris, The Heart of Rachael, ch. 3:

     Her thoughts wandered about among the various friends whose judgment might serve at this crisis to clear her own thoughts. . . . No, she could not bare her soul to the bishop.

   • 1996 Oct. 21, Christopher John Farley, "Music: First-Class Flyers," Time:

     Duritz's vocals are more anguished and torn than ever; he's as emotionally naked as a daytime talk-show guest, baring his soul and searching for empathy.

See also

• bare one's breast

References

• bare one's soul at OneLook Dictionary Search