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straight-shooting honesty

straight-shooting honesty

5.5
To be direct and blunt when saying the truth
  • noun
  • Informal
translation icon : honestidad directa
  • His straight-shooting honesty can sometimes cause discomfort, but you always know where you stand.

Examples

  • I appreciate your straight-shooting honesty about the situation.

  • I prefer straight-shooting honesty over polite lies any day.

  • Her straight-shooting honesty made her both respected and feared in the boardroom.

  • His straight-shooting honesty often surprises people.

  • Her straight-shooting honesty earned her a reputation for being trustworthy among her colleagues.

  • Many people appreciate his straight-shooting honesty because it helps to clarify their expectations.

  • In negotiations, his straight-shooting honesty made it clear that there was no room for misunderstandings.

Synonyms

honesty
vsstraight-shooting honesty
365 1.0

Being truthful and fair in what you say and do

is the same truth quality but with a much rougher, blunt style
frankness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
7 3.5

Open and honest talk that says exactly what you think

tends to be harsher and more unpretentious than plain openness
bluntness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
6 4.8

A direct and honest way of speaking that can seem rude

is the same honest style but usually less intentionally rude
directness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
6 3.4

Honest, clear words and actions that say exactly what you mean

leans more toward blunt, unpolished truth rather than neutral clarity
forthrightness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
3 6.6

A way of speaking that is honest and direct

is rougher and less polished than this open and firm tone
straightforwardness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
1 5.0

Being direct and honest without hiding what you think

is more blunt and unpretentious rather than merely clear and simple
candidness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
1 5.1

An honest and open way of speaking or acting

is more blunt and less concerned with gentle wording or tact
blunt honesty
vsstraight-shooting honesty
1 3.9

Saying the truth in a direct way that may hurt people

is similar but more plain and unpretentious rather than theatrical
unvarnished honesty
vsstraight-shooting honesty
5.5

Very direct and truthful speech that does not soften the facts

is similar but often feels more blunt and unpretentious in delivery
downrightness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
6.7

An open and direct way of speaking or acting

is closer to blunt and unsparing truth rather than mere plainness
bluffness
vsstraight-shooting honesty
7.0

Being direct and honest in a friendly, warm way

is less genial and more unpretentious, delivering truth without warmth

Antonyms

46 3.2

Actions like lying, cheating, or stealing

4 5.6

Not showing true feelings when you speak or act

How Direct

straight-shooting honesty
  • Informal
5.5
candor
  • US
42 5.7
diplomacy
  • Formal
201 3.7
evasion
  • Specialized
38 6.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

straight-shooting + honesty

The adjective 'straight-shooting' is a metaphorical compound made from 'straight' (direct) and 'shooting' (to shoot straight/accurately), so when combined with 'honesty' the meaning 'blunt, direct honesty' can be inferred from the constituents. However, the verb 'shooting' is literal for many learners and the precise idiomatic force of 'straight-shooting' requires some exposure, so the relation is only partially predictable for a B1 learner.

Etymology

Straight-shooting honesty may come from the image of a shooter who fires straight at a target, with shooting meaning to fire and no trick. That's why honesty that is 'plain' and 'direct' is called straight-shooting honesty.