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Glite Dictionary
straight-from-the-shoulder

straight-from-the-shoulder

7.7
Direct and honest in speech that does not hide what you think
  • adjective
  • Informal
translation icon : directo
  • I appreciate his straight-from-the-shoulder advice, even if it's sometimes hard to hear.

Examples

  • The journalist was known for her straight-from-the-shoulder interviewing style.

  • His straight-from-the-shoulder comments surprised everyone at the meeting.

  • Her straight-from-the-shoulder comments made it clear how she felt about the proposal.

  • I appreciate your straight-from-the-shoulder approach to feedback.

  • Her straight-from-the-shoulder comments made it clear how she felt about the proposal.

  • I appreciate his straight-from-the-shoulder advice, even if it's sometimes hard to hear.

  • The journalist was known for her straight-from-the-shoulder interviewing style.

Synonyms

direct
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
302 3.5

Honest and clear in speech or action

is similar in tone but leans toward open manner over absoluteness
frank
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
104 3.4

Open and honest when giving opinions or feelings

is more about plain manner than showing personal emotions
blunt
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
100 3.8

Speaking in a direct, plain way that can sound rude

is frank and open without implying intentional rudeness
candid
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
83 4.6

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

is more about blunt speech than delicate truth delivery
outspoken
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
78 4.2

To speak freely and directly about opinions or feelings

is about steady direct manner rather than frequent public expression
straightforward
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
51 3.6

Someone who is honest and direct, not hiding anything

is similar but stresses open manner rather than neutral truth focus
forthright
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
32 5.5

Being direct and honest when talking or acting

is more about plain openness than formal cautious speech
point-blank
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
19 5.6

Direct and blunt without trying to hide the truth

is direct and honest but avoids aggressive disregard for feelings
downright
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
4 3.8

Plain and very direct, sometimes sounding rude

is direct and honest without adding extra force or intensity
plainspoken
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
3 4.3

Speaking simply and honestly without hiding meaning

is focused on frank manner lacking subtlety rather than simple words
straight-shooting
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
  • Informal
1 6.3

Someone who speaks clearly and honestly without hiding things

is more about frank directness than stressing truthful detail
free-spoken
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
  • Archaic
7.1

Speaking in a direct and open way without hiding opinions

is less about bold openness and more about plain frankness
flatfooted
vsstraight-from-the-shoulder
7.5

Direct and clear without hiding anything

is less focused on explicit reply and more on open manner

Antonyms

evasive
25 7.3

Not giving a direct answer to hide the truth or avoid commitment

indirect
14 4.3

Saying or doing something without being clear

How Direct

brusque
7 7.7
blunt
100 3.8
straight-from-the-shoulder
  • Informal
7.7
direct
302 3.5

Surface Forms

straight-from-the-shoulder positive

Morphology

straight-from-the-shoulder = straight + the + shoulder (semi-transparent) = from + straight + the + shoulder

The components are recognisable but the idiomatic figurative meaning 'direct and frank' is metaphorical and not strictly derivable from the literal parts. [Postprocessing: moved 'from' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

The phrase straight-from-the-shoulder uses the words straight and shoulder to paint a simple picture: a person standing square and facing forward, not hiding anything. A helpful way to remember it is to think of words coming 'straight' from the 'shoulder', which shows honesty and is why the phrase means 'direct and frank'.