tell it like it is

tell it like it is

to describe a situation honestly, not avoiding any of the unpleasant details. There's no point pretending to young women that having a baby doesn't hurt. You've got to tell it like it is. She's a straight talker, is Karen. She tells it like it is.

See also: like, tell

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tell it like it is

to describe a situation honestly without avoiding any unpleasant details. I am honest about things, and I'm going to tell it like it is as long as I am in charge of this project.

See also: like, tell