non avere peli sulla lingua
/non aˈveːre ˈpɛli sulˈla ˈliŋɡwa/To be blunt or outspoken; to speak frankly without holding back
Non avere peli sulla lingua è importante in politica.
Being blunt is important in politics.
Mia sorella non ha peli sulla lingua e dice sempre quello che pensa.
My sister is very outspoken and always says what she thinks.
This idiom is often used to describe someone who speaks their mind directly and honestly, sometimes in a way that might be considered rude or impolite.
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💡Pro Tip
Context Matters
This idiom is often used in informal conversations. Be mindful of the context when using it, as it can sometimes be perceived as impolite.
📖Word Origin
The phrase literally means 'to not have hair on the tongue,' which metaphorically suggests that the tongue is smooth and can speak freely without any obstruction. The idea is that a person who is blunt or outspoken doesn't have any 'hair' (i.e., hesitation or softness) on their tongue.
📝Usage Notes
This expression is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who speaks frankly, sometimes to the point of being rude. It can be used both positively (to admire someone's honesty) or negatively (to criticize someone for being too blunt).