tell it like it is
Be brutally honest
To tell it like it is means to speak bluntly and honestly, without softening the truth or sparing feelings: I appreciate that she tells it like it is, even when it's hard to hear.
The phrase often carries approval—someone who tells it like it is is seen as refreshingly direct in contrast to those who equivocate or flatter.
It can also justify rudeness: I'm just telling it like it is.
- realTruly existing, not fake
- honestFree from deception
- brutal honestyUnsparing directness in speech
- forthrightDirectly honest in manner
- truthAccordance with reality
frank · candid · speak your mind · accurate · sincere · unvarnished · no holds barred · directness · call a spade a spade · pull no punches · bluntness · factual · plainspoken · unfiltered · straight shooter · lay it on the line · explicit · straightforward
- authenticityauthentic, genuine, real, fake, counterfeit
- Blunt honestyblunt, candid, direct, frank, honest
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Candor Phrasesto be honest, truth be told, honestly, frankly, speaking frankly
- phrases about integritykeep your word, man of his word, straight shooter, above board, on the level
tell it like it islie
Deliberate falsehood
deceive · beat around the bush · mislead · dissemble · prevaricate
tell it like it isbeat around the bush
Avoid stating directly
sugarcoat · mince words · hedge · equivocate · tiptoe around
tell it like it ishandle with kid gloves
Treat very carefully
sugarcoat · soften the blow · be gentle · pull one's punches · coddle
tell, tells, telling, teller, tellers, like, likes, liked, liking