tell it like it is

Idioms  

1. Speak the truth, no matter how unpleasant. For example, We're obligated to tell it like it is to the stockholders. [Slang; second half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tell it like it is

I’ll have to just tell it like it is.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025

Boehm and Headlee plainly intended to tell it like it is on Social Security.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 24, 2023

“I feel a bit strange … I wish you would tell it like it is so I know what’s going on … what do these girls do exactly?”

From Washington Post ● Feb. 2, 2023

“We must tell it like it is — any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicide,” Mr. Guterres said, echoing comments he made earlier this month.

From New York Times ● Aug. 18, 2022

When you prepare your report, just tell it like it is.

From The Universe — or Nothing by Meyer Moldeven

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