answer:In my experience, saying “to be honest…” usually means that the person is about to say something that s/he feels people will object to and/or be offended by. I don’t think it necessarily is saying, “To be honest – as opposed to my usual dishonesty…” “To be honest…” – I don’t really want Chinese food tonight. – I think you look better with short hair. And, to be honest, I don’t believe I use this expression. But I understand where you’re coming from – it could be interpreted as declaring that the following statement will be a rare, honest one.