speak one's mind
Say what's felt
To speak one's mind is to express one's opinions openly and directly, without softening or concealing them: She's never afraid to speak her mind.
The phrase implies frankness that may be unwelcome—people speak their minds when they have something uncomfortable to say rather than when agreeing pleasantly.
- call a spade a spadeSpeak without euphemism
- tell it like it isSpeak with complete candor
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- candidHonest and direct
- voiceSound from throat
not mince words · outspoken · make no bones about · honesty · integrity · direct · bluntness · lay it on the line · transparency · straightforward · assertiveness · plainspoken · boldness · unafraid · dissent · openness · confront · clear the air
speak one's mindhold one's tongue
Deliberately not speak
bite one's tongue · keep quiet · keep mum · beat around the bush · lie
speak one's mindbottle up
Suppress emotions internally
hold one's tongue · bite one's tongue · hold back · bite one's lip · swallow one's words
speak one's mindgo along to get along
Conform to preserve relationships
toe the line · kowtow · yes-man · fall in line · play it safe
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