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

He’s a crook, a cozener and a sociopath, the worst possible choice in a time of crisis, but he’s got a folksy, straight-from-the-shoulder delivery that people relate to.

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Baldwin, we are old friends, and I'd trust you to the limit—on any proposition that doesn't ask for more than straight-from-the-shoulder honesty.

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There is a book to write about Hiddink’s personality, his instincts, his straight-from-the-shoulder way of conducting business.

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

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He is especially aided in his courtship if "she" happens to be a quick-spoken Thoracic, a straight-from-the-shoulder Muscular, or one of those determined Osseous girls.

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