a hard truth
/ə hɑːrd truːθ/noun phrase★Intermediate
informal
A fact that is difficult to accept because it is unpleasant or uncomfortable.
The hard truth is that the company will have to lay off staff next quarter.
The uncomfortable fact is that the company will need to cut jobs next quarter.
💡
Often used when confronting someone with reality they may not want to hear.
Collocations
hard truth ofthe difficult reality concerninghard truth aboutthe unpleasant fact concerning
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
the bitter truthphrase
a harsh fact that is difficult to accept
the harsh realityphrase
a severe or unpleasant fact
📖Word Origin
From Old English *heard* ‘difficult, severe’ and *truþ* ‘faith, truth’. The phrase emerged in Middle English to describe truths that are hard to bear.
📝Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written English, especially when delivering criticism or unwelcome news.
English Dictionary