tell it like it is
/ˌtel ɪt ˌlaɪk ɪt ˈɪz/INFORMAL · B2
Meaning
to describe a situation honestly, even the unpleasant parts
Examples
- 1I like our new coach because she tells it like it is, even when it hurts.
- 2Gran always tells it like it is, so don't ask her opinion unless you want the truth.
- 3My doctor tells it like it is: if I don't exercise, my back will get worse.
- 4We need someone who will tell it like it is, not a manager who hides bad news.
- 5Can you just tell it like it is? Did we win the contract or not?
Grammar
Only tell changes: tells, telling, told. Keep it like it is in the present.
More idioms about honesty and secrets
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →economical with the truthnot telling all the facts, or not being honestspill the beansto tell people information that was meant to stay privatecome cleanto finally admit the truth about something you kept hiddenkeep something under your hatto not tell anyone else about somethinga skeleton in the cupboardan embarrassing fact from someone's past that they hidebehind closed doorsin private, where the public cannot see or hear
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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