Tell it like it is Meaning in English
expression
TEL-it-LIKE-it-IZ
TEL-it-LIKE-it-IZ
Definition
To speak honestly and directly about something, even if it's uncomfortable or unpleasant.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to praise straightforwardness. Can sound blunt or even rude if the truth is harsh. Common in informal speech. Variants: 'call it like it is'. Not polite or diplomatic; use carefully in sensitive situations.
Spanish: decir las cosas como sonPortuguese (BR): falar a verdade - dizer as coisas como sãoPortuguese (PT): falar a verdade - dizer as coisas como sãoChinese (Simplified): 直说实话 - 说实情Chinese (Traditional): 直說實話 - 說實情Hindi: सीधी बात कहनाArabic: يقول الحقيقة كما هيBengali: সরাসরি বলে দেওয়া - খোলামেলা বলাRussian: говорить как есть - говорить правду в лицоJapanese: ありのままを言う - はっきり言うVietnamese: nói thẳng - nói đúng sự thậtKorean: 있는 그대로 말하다 - 솔직하게 말하다Turkish: olduğu gibi söylemek - açıkça konuşmakUrdu: جیسا ہے ویسا ہی کہنا - صاف صاف کہناIndonesian: berbicara apa adanya - bicara terus terang
Example Sentences
My dad always tells it like it is.
basic
The teacher told it like it is about our test scores.
basic
If you want advice, she will tell it like it is.
basic
You may not like it, but I just tell it like it is.
natural
She doesn't sugarcoat anything—she tells it like it is.
natural
Sometimes it's better to tell it like it is than to hide the truth.
natural