straight-from-the-shoulder
No punches pulled
Straight-from-the-shoulder describes speech or manner that is direct, frank, and honest—holding nothing back.
The image is of a punch thrown straight from the shoulder rather than at an angle, delivering full force without evasion: She gave him some straight-from-the-shoulder advice about his drinking.
The phrase suggests bluntness that may be uncomfortable but is sincere.
Dull or tactlessly direct
- candidHonest and direct
- frankOpen and direct
- directUndeviating or to guide
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
plainspoken · unvarnished · truthful · outspoken · sincere · upfront · no-nonsense · transparent
Exerting strong pressure
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- boldCourageous and daring
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
- unapologeticShowing no remorse
brusque · gruff · abrupt · terse · curt · plain · undiplomatic · tactless
Returned response data
- criticismJudgment of faults
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
- opinionSubjective personal belief
remark · statement · reply · answer · talk · confrontation · conversation · discussion
blunt
Dull or tactlessly direct
forthright · plainspoken · unvarnished · truthful · outspoken · sincere · upfront · no-nonsense · transparent · genuine
forceful
Exerting strong pressure
- assertiveConfidently self-assured
- boldCourageous and daring
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
unapologetic · brusque · gruff · abrupt · terse · curt · plain · undiplomatic · tactless · rough
feedback
Returned response data
- criticismJudgment of faults
- adviceGuidance on decisions
- assessmentFormal evaluation of worth
opinion · remark · statement · reply · answer · talk · confrontation · conversation · discussion · delivery
straight-from-the-shoulderevasive
Avoiding direct response
indirect · roundabout · beating around the bush · mealy-mouthed · equivocating
straight-from-the-shouldertactful
Socially sensitive and careful
diplomatic · sugar-coated · delicate · gentle · kid-glove
straight, straighten, straightened, straightening, straighter, straightest, straightness, shoulder, shoulders