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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]


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.

As I reported earlier, however, their efforts to tell it like it is were confounded by their own ignorance.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll have to just tell it like it is.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Dev’s someone who’s going to support you, but he’s going to tell it like it is,” Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I tell it like it is. I don’t want to be too mystical or conservative, but I think I speak on behalf of the precepts and many monks in the Jogye Order, not just myself,” he said.

From Seattle Times

“In today’s music environment, we need more people like that, who tell it like it is.”

From Seattle Times