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be blunt
/biː blʌnt/
to speak honestly and directly
If you want my advice, I'll be blunt: this project is doomed.
The speaker is giving direct, honest feedback about the project's prospects.
informal
To speak or express oneself in a direct, honest, and sometimes harsh manner without softening the truth.
I don't mean to be blunt, but your idea won't work.
The speaker is trying to be honest but acknowledges the directness might be uncomfortable.
The doctor was blunt about the patient's prognosis.
The doctor delivered the bad news directly without sugarcoating it.
This phrase is often used when someone wants to convey honesty, even if it might be uncomfortable for the listener.
Collocations
be brutally bluntto be extremely direct and harshbe tactfully bluntto be honest but polite
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use with caution
While being blunt can be appreciated for honesty, it can also come across as rude. Consider the context and the relationship with the listener before using this phrase.
Gold Rule
Softening the impact
If you need to be blunt, you can soften the impact by prefacing your statement with 'I don't mean to be blunt' or 'To be honest.'
Word Origin
The phrase comes from the word 'blunt,' which originally referred to something that is dull or not sharp. Over time, it evolved to describe speech that is straightforward and lacks subtlety.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in informal and semi-formal contexts. It can be perceived as rude if not used carefully, so it's often prefaced with phrases like 'I don't mean to be blunt' to soften the impact.
Word Breakdown
be
to exist or occur
verbblunt
direct and honest, often to the point of being harsh
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary