unvarnished truth

Idioms and Phrases

The plain facts without embellishment, as in Let's just have the unvarnished truth about the sale . This idiom was first recorded in 1883, although unvarnished had been used to describe a direct statement since Shakespeare's time.

Example Sentences

But demonstrating that overtly, especially to folks who don’t know you well, sometimes requires sticking your own unvarnished truth in their faces.

From Salon

“He was incredibly helpful because you just knew you were getting his opinion. It was the unvarnished truth, and you know, it didn’t mean he was right. ’Cause nobody’s always right in this business.

From Los Angeles Times

Kerr, a broadcaster at the time, went to watch the Memphis Grizzles practice when West, the team’s general manager, spoke with him about anything and everything — a man allergic to anything but unvarnished truth.

From Los Angeles Times

Kate Lee, Alzheimer's Society's CEO, said the campaign "seeks to tell the unvarnished truth about the devastation caused by dementia, and it is very much informed by people affected by the condition".

From BBC

“And when Gov. Christie is back in Londonderry tomorrow, he’ll continue to tell the unvarnished truth about Donald Trump.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• accuracy
• authenticity
• certainty
• fact
• legitimacy
• principle
• truthfulness
• veracity