Theme

Saying it

Plain speech, a secret let out, teasing, or talk that never lands.

1. 腹を割って話すはらをわってはなすTo say what one actually thinks, with nothing held back.
2. appeler un chat un chatTo name a thing plainly.
3. dar en el clavoTo be exactly right.
4. no tener pelos en la lenguaTo speak plainly, without softening the point.
5. tomar el peloTo tease someone, or to string them along.
6. 对牛弹琴duì niú tán qínTo talk in a way the listener cannot use.
7. 说曹操，曹操到shuō Cáo Cāo, Cáo Cāo dàoSomeone appears just as they are being talked about.
8. let the cat out of the bagTo reveal a secret one was meant to keep.
9. spill the beansTo give away a secret.
10. the elephant in the roomThe obvious problem everyone is leaving unspoken.