straight-from-the-shoulder

[ streyt-fruhm-thuh-shohl-der ]

adjective

1. direct, honest, and forceful in expression; outspoken.

Idioms and Phrases

In a direct, forthright manner, as in I'll tell you, straight from the shoulder, that you'll have to do better or they'll fire you . This expression comes from boxing, where it describes a blow delivered with full force. Its figurative use dates from the late 1800s.

Example Sentences

It was no good trying some tricky approach; his best bet was the straight-from-the-shoulder bit.

From Project Gutenberg

"Very well, sir," said Colin, a little taken aback by this straight-from-the-shoulder statement.

From Project Gutenberg

They were straight-from-the-shoulder remarks, or, as he called them, they were “brass tacks.”

From Project Gutenberg

It was all straight-from-the-shoulder kind of talk, garbed in homely phrase.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cubans and the officers of the company alike came in for a good deal of straight-from-the-shoulder Yankee criticism.

From Project Gutenberg