20 Idioms for Trust (With Examples)

Trust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship, whether personal or professional. It’s something we all cherish, but sometimes expressing it through words can be a challenge. 

That’s where idioms come in—they offer creative ways to communicate trust and its importance in our lives. Idioms are powerful tools for conveying emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, and when it comes to trust, they can provide an easy, familiar way to articulate how we feel. 

In this article, we will explore 20 idioms for trust that will help you communicate more effectively and meaningfully. These idioms not only enrich your language but also offer insight into the nuances of trust in different contexts. 

Let’s dive in!

What Is an Idiom for Trust?

An idiom for trust refers to a phrase or expression whose meaning is different from the literal interpretation of its words. These idioms help people convey feelings of trust, reliability, and belief in others. 

Idioms for trust are often used in everyday conversation to express confidence or belief in someone’s abilities, character, or intentions.

List for Idioms for Trust

1. Put Your Trust in Someone

2. Trust Someone with Your Eyes Closed

3. In Safe Hands

4. Take Someone at Their Word

5. Build Bridges of Trust

6. On the Same Page

7. A Leap of Faith

8. Put All Your Cards on the Table

9. A Shoulder to Lean On

10. Let Your Guard Down

11. Give Someone the Benefit of the Doubt

12. Earn Someone’s Trust

13. Take Someone’s Word for It

14. Keep the Faith

15. As Solid as a Rock

16. A Hand You Can Count On

17. Leave No Room for Doubt

18. Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes

19. Take It to the Bank

20. A Bond of Trust

1. Put Your Trust in Someone

This idiom means to rely on someone or place confidence in them.

Definition: To put your trust in someone is to believe in their abilities, honesty, or character.

In Sentence: “I put my trust in Jane because I know she always delivers on time.”

Example: Despite all the challenges, we put our trust in the team to finish the project.

Explanation: This expression signifies a strong belief in another person, usually because of their proven abilities or past actions.

Other Ways to Say It:
Place faith in
Rely on
Have confidence in
Believe in
Depend on

2. Trust Someone with Your Eyes Closed

This idiom suggests that you trust someone completely without any doubt.

Definition: To trust someone with your eyes closed means to have total faith and no reservations about them.

In Sentence: “After years of working together, I trust John with my eyes closed.”

Example: “I trust Sarah with my eyes closed—she would never let me down.”

Explanation: This phrase expresses absolute trust, implying that you are so confident in someone that you wouldn’t hesitate to follow them or rely on them.

Other Ways to Say It:
Trust blindly
Trust unconditionally
Have complete faith in
Rely on without hesitation
Trust implicitly

3. In Safe Hands

This idiom indicates that someone can be trusted to take care of something or someone.

Definition: To be in safe hands means to be under the protection or care of someone you trust completely.

In Sentence: “With Rachel in charge of the event, I know everything will be in safe hands.”

Example: You can leave the project with Tom; it will be in safe hands.

Explanation: This idiom suggests that the person in charge is reliable and capable, ensuring the task or responsibility will be well handled.

Other Ways to Say It:
Under good care
In trusted hands
In capable hands
In good hands
Under the right guidance

4. Take Someone at Their Word

This idiom means to trust what someone says without questioning or doubting them.

Definition: To take someone at their word is to believe what they say as the truth.

In Sentence: “When Sarah promised to complete the report by Friday, I took her at her word.”

Example: I took Tom at his word when he said the meeting would be on Monday.

Explanation: This phrase suggests a level of trust where you accept someone’s statement or promise without asking for further evidence or confirmation.

Other Ways to Say It:
Believe someone
Accept as truth
Take at face value
Trust their word
Rely on their statement

5. Build Bridges of Trust

This idiom refers to creating or establishing a connection based on mutual trust.

Definition: To build bridges of trust means to establish or nurture a strong, reliable relationship with someone over time.

In Sentence: “Over the years, we’ve built bridges of trust in our partnership.”

Example: It’s important to build bridges of trust with your clients to maintain a successful business.

Explanation: This phrase highlights the effort it takes to develop and maintain trust in a relationship or situation, emphasizing that trust is something that grows gradually.

Other Ways to Say It:
Strengthen bonds of trust
Establish mutual respect
Create a trusting relationship
Foster trust
Develop a strong connection

6. On the Same Page

This idiom indicates a shared understanding or agreement, especially in terms of trust and goals.

Definition: To be on the same page means to share the same understanding or expectations, often referring to trust or alignment in goals.

In Sentence: “Before we start the project, let’s make sure we are on the same page about the timeline.”

Example: We need to be on the same page about the priorities for the team.

Explanation: This idiom emphasizes alignment and mutual trust, ensuring that everyone has the same understanding and is working toward the same goals.

Other Ways to Say It:
In agreement
On the same wavelength
In sync
Aligned in understanding
In harmony

7. A Leap of Faith

This idiom refers to trusting or believing in something or someone without having all the facts or certainty.

Definition: A leap of faith means to take a risk based on trust, even when the outcome is uncertain.

In Sentence: “Starting this new business was a real leap of faith, but I trusted my instincts.”

Example: Trusting a stranger with your secret is often a leap of faith.

Explanation: The idiom suggests that you are relying on your trust or belief in someone or something, even without complete assurance or evidence.

Other Ways to Say It:
Take a chance
Trust blindly
Step into the unknown
Take a risk
Go out on a limb

8. Put All Your Cards on the Table

This idiom means to be completely honest and transparent, especially when it comes to trust.

Definition: To put all your cards on the table means to reveal everything and not hide anything, showing full trust.

In Sentence: “When we discussed the proposal, he put all his cards on the table.”

Example: During the meeting, they put all their cards on the table, showing they trusted us completely.

Explanation: This idiom suggests that you are open and honest, creating an atmosphere of trust by sharing everything with others.

Other Ways to Say It:
Be transparent
Lay everything out
Be honest
Show your hand
Come clean

9. A Shoulder to Lean On

This idiom refers to a person you can trust and rely on during tough times.

Definition: A shoulder to lean on is someone who offers emotional support and comfort, someone you trust to help you.

In Sentence: “When I was going through a tough time, Anna was a true shoulder to lean on.”

Example: During the crisis, she was always there, offering me a shoulder to lean on.

Explanation: This idiom signifies emotional trust, implying that the person can be relied upon to provide support when needed most.

Other Ways to Say It:
Supportive person
Source of comfort
Reliable friend
Rock to lean on
Comforting presence

10. Let Your Guard Down

This idiom means to stop being overly cautious or protective and start trusting someone more openly.

Definition: To let your guard down is to stop being defensive and allow yourself to trust others.

In Sentence: “It took a while for me to let my guard down, but I trust her now.”

Example: Over time, he let his guard down, realizing he could trust the team.

Explanation: This idiom suggests becoming more open and vulnerable, allowing trust to grow in a relationship or situation.

Other Ways to Say It:
Relax your defenses
Be open
Drop your walls
Trust more openly
Be less guarded

11. Give Someone the Benefit of the Doubt

This idiom means to choose to trust someone even when there are doubts or uncertainties.

Definition: To give someone the benefit of the doubt means to trust them, assuming the best even if there is some reason to be skeptical.

In Sentence: “I wasn’t sure about her intentions, but I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt.”

Example: Even though the situation seemed suspicious, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Explanation: This phrase is often used when you trust someone even in the face of doubt, giving them the chance to prove themselves.

Other Ways to Say It:
Assume the best
Trust without full evidence
Give a second chance
Believe in good intentions
Withhold judgment

12. Earn Someone’s Trust

This idiom refers to the process of gaining someone’s trust through actions or behavior over time.

Definition: To earn someone’s trust means to gradually gain their confidence and belief in your reliability.

In Sentence: “He worked hard to earn my trust after the misunderstanding.”

Example: She had to earn my trust before I would share any personal details with her.

Explanation: Trust is not something you can demand; it has to be earned by showing honesty, reliability, and consistency.

Other Ways to Say It:
Gain someone’s confidence
Build trust
Win someone’s trust
Demonstrate reliability
Establish trust

13. Take Someone’s Word for It

This idiom means to trust that what someone says is true, without questioning it.

Definition: To take someone’s word for it is to believe what they say, assuming it is truthful and reliable.

In Sentence: “I didn’t see the results myself, but I’ll take her word for it.”

Example: “He told me the meeting was rescheduled, and I decided to take his word for it.”

Explanation: This expression implies a level of trust where you believe someone’s statement without requiring further proof or evidence.

Other Ways to Say It:
Trust someone’s word
Believe what someone says
Take at face value
Accept someone’s statement
Rely on their assurance

14. Keep the Faith

This idiom refers to maintaining trust or belief, especially during difficult times.

Definition: To keep the faith means to continue believing in something or someone, even when things are uncertain or challenging.

In Sentence: “Even after the setbacks, we decided to keep the faith in the project.”

Example: It was a tough time, but they managed to keep the faith that things would improve.

Explanation: This phrase conveys the idea of enduring trust and faith, regardless of obstacles or challenges faced along the way.

Other Ways to Say It:
Maintain belief
Stay hopeful
Trust in the process
Believe in the outcome
Hold on to faith

15. As Solid as a Rock

This idiom means that someone or something is completely reliable and trustworthy.

Definition: When something or someone is as solid as a rock, they are dependable and unwavering in their reliability.

In Sentence: “You can always count on Ben; he’s as solid as a rock.”

Example: “The foundation of this company is as solid as a rock because we’ve built it on trust.”

Explanation: This idiom expresses trust in someone’s unshakeable reliability and commitment.

Other Ways to Say It:
Reliable as ever
Unwavering
Dependable
Sturdy and reliable
Trustworthy as a foundation

16. A Hand You Can Count On

This idiom refers to someone who is trustworthy and dependable in times of need.

Definition: A hand you can count on means someone who will always be there to help or support you, without fail.

In Sentence: “Whenever I’m in trouble, I know I can count on Susan to lend me a hand I can count on.”

Example: “He was the hand I could count on when I needed advice the most.”

Explanation: This idiom signifies someone who consistently offers support, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Other Ways to Say It:
A reliable hand
A dependable ally
A trusted support
A loyal friend
Someone you can rely on

17. Leave No Room for Doubt

This idiom means to be so clear and trustworthy that there is no reason for anyone to question you.

Definition: To leave no room for doubt means to provide such clarity and confidence that no one can doubt your intentions or abilities.

In Sentence: “She made her intentions clear and left no room for doubt about her commitment to the project.”

Example: “His actions left no room for doubt that he was fully committed to the team.”

Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the certainty and trustworthiness someone shows by being transparent and consistent.

Other Ways to Say It:
Eliminate all doubt
Make things clear
Leave no questions unanswered
Provide full assurance
Show unwavering clarity

18. Walk a Mile in Someone’s Shoes

This idiom means to understand someone’s situation or perspective by putting yourself in their position.

Definition: To walk a mile in someone’s shoes means to empathize with them and trust that their experience is valid.

In Sentence: “Before you judge her, try to walk a mile in her shoes.”

Example: “If we all walked a mile in each other’s shoes, we’d understand each other’s trust better.”

Explanation: This idiom promotes empathy and suggests that understanding someone’s perspective is key to building trust.

Other Ways to Say It:
Empathize with
Understand someone’s perspective
See things from another’s point of view
Put yourself in their place
Understand their experience

19. Take It to the Bank

This idiom refers to something that can be trusted or is guaranteed to happen.

Definition: To take it to the bank means that something is so reliable and trustworthy that you can be sure of it.

In Sentence: “If she says she’ll do it, you can take it to the bank.”

Example: “He promised he’d finish the project by Friday—take it to the bank.”

Explanation: This idiom suggests total confidence and trust in a person’s ability to follow through on their word.

Other Ways to Say It:
Guaranteed
Sure thing
No doubt about it
Certain to happen
Absolutely reliable

20. A Bond of Trust

This idiom refers to a deep, meaningful relationship built on mutual trust.

Definition: A bond of trust signifies a strong, lasting relationship where trust is at the core.

In Sentence: “They formed a deep bond of trust over years of working together.”

Example: “Our team shares a bond of trust that helps us collaborate effectively.”

Explanation: This idiom highlights the enduring nature of trust in a relationship, suggesting that it’s formed over time and with mutual respect.

Other Ways to Say It:
A strong connection
A trusting relationship
A deep sense of trust
An unbreakable bond
Mutual respect and trust

Final Thoughts

Incorporating idioms into our language adds depth, emotion, and authenticity, especially when we want to express trust. These 20 idioms for trust not only enrich your vocabulary but also provide powerful ways to communicate your feelings of reliability, belief, and confidence in others. 

Whether you’re seeking to express support, confidence, or loyalty, these idioms offer a heartfelt way to communicate trust.

FAQs

1. Why is trust important in communication?
Trust fosters an environment of openness, where people feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment.

2. Can trust be rebuilt once it’s broken?
Yes, trust can be rebuilt over time by showing consistency, honesty, and reliability, though it requires effort from both parties.

3. How do I know if I can trust someone?
Trust often develops gradually. Pay attention to how consistently a person keeps their promises and treats others.

4. Are there any idioms for expressing distrust?
Yes, idioms like “on thin ice” or “walking a tightrope” express situations where trust is lacking or fragile.

5. How can idioms improve my communication?
Idioms make communication more vivid and memorable, helping you express emotions and ideas in a way that resonates with others.