leveling with
Telling the truth
Leveling with someone means being completely honest with them, especially about something difficult or unpleasant: Let me level with you—your chances aren't good.
The phrase suggests dropping pretense and speaking plainly, as equals on the same level.
It often introduces unwelcome truths delivered with directness rather than diplomacy.
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- being honestStating facts sincerely
- truthfulnessHabit of not lying
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- forthrightnessQuality of being direct
self-awareness · disclosure · rapport · authenticity · accountability · sincerity · clarity · no-nonsense · cards on the table · openness · real talk · cutting to the chase · empathy · straight talk · connection · trust-building · active listening · understanding
leveling withdeceiving
Causing false belief
misleading · duping · stringing along · hoodwinking · bullshitting
leveling withsugarcoating
Making unpleasant seem pleasant
beating around the bush · tiptoeing around · dancing around · cushioning · glossing over
level, leveling, levelled, leveled, leveler, leveller, levels, lever, leverage