honest talk
Cards on table
Honest talk is direct, candid conversation that doesn't soften difficult truths or hide behind politeness: We need to have some honest talk about your performance.
The phrase often signals that uncomfortable subjects are about to be addressed openly.
Sometimes used as a discourse marker before making a blunt statement: Honest talk—I don't think this relationship is working.
- candidHonest and direct
- frankOpen and direct
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- straightNot curved or crooked
- straight shooterForthright, blunt person
truthful · sincere · open · direct · real · tell it like it is · heart-to-heart · speak your mind · confession · vulnerable · raw · unfiltered · no holds barred · plain-spoken · upfront · lay it on the line · no-nonsense · brutal
- candorfrankness, directness, bluntness, candor, straightforwardness
- Parenting Communicationactive listening, praise, encouragement, boundary setting, conflict resolution
- vulnerabilityvulnerability, vulnerable, defenselessness, defenseless, helplessness
honest talklies
Deliberate untruths
deception · dishonesty · falsehood · deceit · mendacity
honest talkevasion
Act of escaping detection
equivocation · beating around the bush · doublespeak · weasel words · hedging
honest talkflattery
Excessive insincere praise
manipulation · sweet talk · smooth talk · lip service · empty promises
honest, talk, honesty, honestly, dishonest, dishonesty, talks, talked, talking