call it as one sees it
Judge without bias
To call it as one sees it is to state one's honest assessment without softening or diplomatic hedging.
The phrase implies directness that might be unwelcome but is offered anyway: I'm just calling it as I see it—the project is failing.
Often used to preface or justify blunt criticism.
The variant call 'em as I see 'em evokes an umpire making judgment calls.
- tell it like it isSpeak with complete candor
- franknessDirect, unguarded honesty
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- tell the truthCommunicate facts honestly
truthfulness · brutal honesty · bluntness · pull no punches · sincerity · directness · no holds barred · realism · plain-spoken · shoot from the hip · clarity · cut to the chase · discernment · unvarnished · lay it on the line · transparency · insightful · authenticity
call it as one sees itlie
Deliberate falsehood
deceive · dissemble · prevaricate · beat around the bush · equivocate
call it as one sees itpull punches
Deliberately moderate one's force
sugarcoat · butter up · soft-pedal · pussyfoot · tiptoeing around
call it as one sees itput on a front
wear a mask · play a part · go through the motions · conform · sell out
calls, called, calling, caller, callers, callback, seeing, unsightly, sightless