square on
1
6.5
- idiom
- Informal
:
directo
Examples
-
Unlike Barack Obama, she confronted that party machine square on and won.
Blog text (32) -
Unlike some politicians, she faced the issue square on, presenting her unfiltered opinions to the audience.
-
When it comes to his responsibilities, he is square on, never shying away from the truth.
-
The coach talked square on about the team's shortcomings, ensuring everyone understood the need for improvement.
Synonyms
388
1.4
Honest and direct in what they say
302
3.5
Honest and clear in speech or action
84
3.5
Honest, direct, and fair in actions or statements
To be honest and clear about what you must do
Direct and clear without hiding anything
Firm and steady in belief and action, not changing under pressure
Antonyms
How Direct
Surface Forms
Morphology
The adjective 'square' (honest, straightforward) gives a strong clue to the MWE meaning, but the role of 'on' here (a stative/intensifying particle) is not fully compositional for learners. A B1 learner who knows both words could guess a sense related to being direct or honest, but the exact nuance of 'completely honest/direct or fully committed' is not fully predictable without exposure, so the item is partially transparent.
Etymology
Square on The adjective square on comes from the image of standing with your body square and facing someone on, so you look them straight in the eye and do not turn away. That's why square on means 'completely honest' or 'direct'.