A fault confessed is half redressed.
A fault confessed is half redressed.
Meaning in plain English
Acknowledging a fault begins the work of putting it right. Confession can make repair possible, but it does not by itself undo harm or entitle the person responsible to forgiveness.
Example
A volunteer admits sending an incorrect timetable, then sends a correction and contacts the people most affected.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
A concealed fault leaves other people uncertain about what happened and may prevent a sensible response. Confessing it can establish a starting point for repair: the person responsible accepts that something needs to change. The saying’s half suggests meaningful progress without claiming that the process is finished. What remains may include correcting the error, helping those affected or changing a habit. Admission is useful when it leads to such action, rather than functioning as a substitute for it. The person harmed still has their own perspective and need not offer immediate trust or forgiveness because an apology has been made.
When to use it
Use it to encourage honest admission followed by repair.
Keep in mind
Admission does not erase harm or require immediate forgiveness.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Dictionary of Quotations (1893)
Printed citation: Pr. · page_005
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗