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straight-shooting

straight-shooting

1 6.3
Someone who speaks clearly and honestly without hiding things
  • adjective
  • /ˈstreɪtˌʃuːtɪŋ/
  • Informal
: directo
  • That's not to say I think Hillary has been a straight-shooting candidate.
  • straight-shooting style

Examples

  • The straight-shooting attorney answered, "I hope I am doing more things like last night (see below - Center for Women and Democracy on Women in Rwanda Dinner).

    Blog text (11)
  • Known for her straight-shooting nature, she never hesitates to speak her mind in meetings.

  • And his dedication and straight shooting have paid off in influence and readership.

    Academic text (2011)
  • "I really enjoy that type of straight-shooting dialogue, and the article left me pining for my less sophisticated self to make an appearance ...

    Blog text (15)
  • Nigel Farage is a straight-shooting no-bullshit politician; I wish there were one like him in every nation.

    Blog text (9)
  • His straight-shooting approach to business negotiations helped him earn the trust of his partners.

  • The politician's straight-shooting responses during the debate impressed many voters who valued honesty.

Synonyms

straight
vsstraight-shooting
725 1.4

Honest and direct in what they say

means direct honesty in speech or manner rather than only being correct
direct
vsstraight-shooting
194 3.5

Honest and clear in speech or action

focuses on honesty in manner rather than solely factual accuracy
truthful
vsstraight-shooting
114 1.3

Always saying what really happened and not lying

stresses direct honesty in manner rather than constant factual accuracy
frank
vsstraight-shooting
106 3.4

Open and honest when giving opinions or feelings

covers directness in manner and speech beyond only emotional expression
blunt
vsstraight-shooting
100 3.8

Speaking in a direct, plain way that can sound rude

keeps honesty and directness while avoiding implied rudeness or harshness
candid
vsstraight-shooting
83 4.6

Open and honest, telling the truth even when it is hard

emphasises direct manner in speech rather than only openness about facts
plain
vsstraight-shooting
45 2.0

Said in a simple, direct way without hiding the truth

focuses on honesty in speech or manner rather than mere simplicity alone
straightforward
vsstraight-shooting
43 3.6

Someone who is honest and direct, not hiding anything

focuses on honesty in speech or manner rather than general honesty
forthright
vsstraight-shooting
30 5.5

Being direct and honest when talking or acting

emphasises directness in speech or manner rather than general openness
upfront
vsstraight-shooting
26 4.3

Honest and direct about feelings or plans

focuses on direct honesty in speech or manner rather than only motives
point-blank
vsstraight-shooting
10 5.6

Direct and blunt without trying to hide the truth

shares directness but emphasizes manner in speech rather than sharp bluntness
downright
vsstraight-shooting
1 3.8

Plain and very direct, sometimes sounding rude

has directness in speech and manner but may be less forcefully blunt
flatfooted
vsstraight-shooting
1 7.5

Direct and clear without hiding anything

means honesty in speech or manner rather than mere absence of ambiguity
straight-from-the-shoulder
vsstraight-shooting
  • Informal
7.7

Direct and honest in speech that does not hide what you think

highlights honest speech or manner rather than gentle or subtle tone

Antonyms

128 2.5

Likely to lie or cheat to get something for yourself

59 5.3

Appearing true but making someone believe something that is not true

How Direct

blunt
100 3.8
straight-shooting
  • Informal
1 6.3
forthright
30 5.5
candid
83 4.6
frank
106 3.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

straight-shooting = straight + shooting (transparent) = straight + shoot + ing

Combines the familiar words 'straight' + 'shoot(ing)' in the common metaphor 'to shoot straight' meaning to be direct and honest, so the adjective's meaning is predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Straight-shooting comes from the simple image of straight and shooting: like a person who fires a shot straight at a target, not around it. This is a helpful way to remember the meaning 'direct' and 'honest' because a straight-shooting person speaks plainly and does not hide things.