speaks one's mind
Says what's felt
To speak one's mind is to express one's thoughts or opinions openly and directly, without holding back for politeness or diplomacy: She's never been afraid to speak her mind.
The phrase implies candor that may be unwelcome or uncomfortable for others to hear.
- candorUnguarded truthfulness
- telling it like it isSpeaking plain, unfiltered truth
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- directnessQuality of being straightforward
- straight talkHonest, direct communication
confidence · boldness · dissent · confrontation · honesty · verbalization · advocacy · forthrightness · independence · transparency · articulation · self-assurance · authenticity · courage · feedback · tough love · debate · outspokenness
speaks one's mindbites one's tongue
Deliberately withholds a remark
keeps mum · clams up · holds back · self-censors · beats around the bush
speaks one's mindgoes along to get along
Conforms to maintain acceptance
plays along · toes the line · sugarcoats · flatters · panders
speaks one's mindshrinks back
Withdraws in fear
cowers · holds one's peace · self-censors · chickens out · backs down
speak, speaks, spoken, speaking, speaker, speakers, speakable, unspeakable, ones