tell it like it is

IPA/tˈɛl ɪt lˈaɪk ɪt ˈɪz/
IPA/tˈɛl ɪt lˈaɪk ɪɾ ˈɪz/

tell it like it is — idiom

1. to describe a situation in a plain, honest way, even when the truth is hard for

1.慣用語B2
釋義

to describe a situation in a plain, honest way, even when the truth is hard for people to hear

例句

When the team lost again, Coach Vinícius decided to tell it like it is.

decide to tell it like it is

Patients trust Dr. Amihan because she always tells it like it is about their health.

tell it like it is about something

同義詞
  • be straight with someone

    very similar but points at one listener, while 'tell it like it is' can describe a general honest manner

  • speak plainly

    more neutral and slightly formal; lacks the admiring, no-nonsense tone of the idiom

  • pull no punches

    stresses being harsh or blunt, whereas this idiom stresses honesty over bluntness

反義詞

用法筆記

Almost always used approvingly, to praise someone for being frank rather than polite. Frequently followed by 'about' plus the difficult topic, and common when the speaker could have softened or avoided the truth.

常見錯誤

❌She tells it like it was during the meeting.
✅She tells it like it is during the meeting.
💡The phrase is fixed in the present form 'like it is', even about past events.
❌He told it how it is to the new staff.
✅He told it like it is to the new staff.
💡The set expression uses 'like', not 'how'.