clean breast

The phrase "clean breast" can have multiple interpretations, depending on the context. 1. Literal Meaning: This phrase can refer to a physically clean or uncovered chest, typically used to describe someone who is not wearing any clothing that covers the upper torso. 2. Figurative Meaning: In a figurative sense, "clean breast" is often used to express a sense of openness, honesty, or confession. It is derived from an old expression "to make a clean breast of" something, which means to disclose or confess something completely, without any reservation or deceit. It implies revealing or admitting the truth about a matter, often when someone has been keeping a secret or hiding something. Example: "John decided to make a clean breast of his mistakes and confessed everything to his parents."