kernel of truth
Buried accurate core
A kernel of truth is a small but genuine element of fact within something largely false, exaggerated, or fictional.
The metaphor treats truth like a seed at the center of a husk: Every good lie contains a kernel of truth.
The phrase often appears when acknowledging that even dubious claims aren't entirely baseless: There's a kernel of truth to the stereotype, but it's mostly unfair.
- nuggetSmall solid lump
- verityState of being actual
- gistCentral meaning distilled
- essenceFundamental nature of something
- realityWhat actually exists
core · credence · substance · grain · genuineness · fact · axiom · spark · white lie · seed · shard · exaggeration · fragment · embellishment · trace · glimmer · actuality · validity
kernel of truthunvarnished truth
Reality stated without softening
gospel truth · nothing but the truth · whole truth · the whole truth · the whole story
kernel, kernels, truth, truths, truthful, truthfully, truthfulness, untruth, untruths