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Synonyms

straight talk

Idioms  

  1. Plain, honest speaking, as in We have to have some straight talk with Harry before he goes away to college. [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a question about plans should his successor, Kevin Warsh, not be confirmed by then, Powell offered some straight talk, including about the Department of Justice probe of him.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

The original Arthur Andersen, who co-founded the accounting firm in 1913, was famous for his advice, “Think straight, talk straight.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

So, the two arrived at a final compromise: A combination of both that had plenty of romance for Sally and all of Harry’s no-frills straight talk.

From Salon • Dec. 17, 2025

Rest assured Shanice’s Michelle will tell Barack how she feels — without worrying in the least whether he can handle her straight talk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2025

She has been telling me since I was six years old that I need to sit up straight, talk more, make friends, do something with my hair.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.