Speak truth to power

Meaning

Call out authority with honest criticism.

Usage

Used when challenging the status quo.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Civil rights advocates urged truthfulness to leaders.

Popularized in mid-20th-century activist circles.