Straight from the Shoulder: No Holds Barred!
Welcome to a world where phrases hit you with the force of a championship boxer! “Straight from the shoulder” means delivering your thoughts and opinions with no sugar coat, just bare-knuckle honesty. Derived from boxing, this idiom promises a verbal punch that is as direct as it is powerful.
Expressions and Idioms in the Same Ring
- Straight Shooter: Just like “straight from the shoulder,” a straight shooter tells it like it is.
- Tell it like it is: Offering the unvarnished truth.
- Speak your mind: Saying what you really think.
- No beating around the bush: Getting to the point directly.
- Lay it on the line: Present things as they are.
Proverbs and Sayings
- “Honesty is the best policy.” - A reminder of the virtues of being straightforward.
- “Truth bites but heals.” - Recognizes that straightforward comments may sting momentarily but lead to better outcomes.
Synonyms
- Frank
- Blunt
- Candid
- Direct
- Forthright
Antonyms
- Evasive
- Indirect
- Diplomatic
- Subtle
- Underhanded
Humor-Fueled Quotes
- “To be blunt: people will always talk about themselves — especially when you make it easy for them by asking questions they are only too pleased to answer.” - Cecil Beaton
- “I hate three kinds of people: racists, those who don’t let you in while driving, and those who are blunt.” - Unknown
In Literature
- “It Is Never Too Late to Mend” by Charles Reade: Reade’s use of the term shows its roots in the literal, muscular action of boxing.
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee: Known for Atticus Finch’s blunt but moral compass.
In Popular Culture
-
Songs:
- “Honesty” by Billy Joel
- “Say What You Want” by Texas
-
Movies:
- A Few Good Men - “You can’t handle the truth!”
- The Big Lebowski - Retorts brimming with blunt truths.
Farewell Thoughts
“As you go on your journey today, remember sometimes the truth needs to be shared straight from the shoulder. Be bold, be brave, and always be real.”
~ Candid Candor, October 2023
### Which of these expressions means being bluntly honest?
- [x] Straight from the shoulder
- [ ] Around the mulberry bush
- [ ] Talking through one's hat
- [ ] Pulling strings
> **Explanation:** "Straight from the shoulder" means being direct and honest, while the other options represent evasive or deceptive behavior.
### Which phrase is synonymous with 'straight from the shoulder'?
- [x] Straight shooter
- [ ] Painting the lily
- [ ] Crocodile tears
- [ ] Heart of gold
> **Explanation:** A "straight shooter" shares a similar meaning of being bluntly honest. The other phrases have unrelated meanings.
### True or False: The idiom 'straight from the shoulder' has its origins in boxing.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! This idiom originated from the world of boxing before being adopted to describe straightforward speech.
### Which of the following sayings supports speaking directly?
- [ ] Speak out of both sides of your mouth
- [x] Tell it like it is
- [ ] Make a mountain out of a molehill
- [ ] Put on airs
> **Explanation:** "Tell it like it is" supports the idea of speaking directly and honestly.
### Identify the antonym of 'straight from the shoulder'
- [ ] Frank
- [x] Evasive
- [ ] Forthright
- [ ] Candid
> **Explanation:** Being evasive is the opposite of being blunt and straightforward, making it the correct antonym here.
