be frank

[/biː fræŋk/]

verb phrase

ser franco / ser honesto

1. to speak honestly and directly without hiding one's true thoughts or feelings

To be frank, I don't think that's a good idea.

Para ser franco, não acho que seja uma boa ideia.

2. to express one's opinion candidly, often introducing a blunt statement

Be frank with me—do you really want to go?

Seja franco comigo—você realmente quer ir?

NYC Slang

keep it real / keep it 100

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

ser franco / ser honesto

commonly used; can also use 'falando francamente'

Rio de Janeiro

ser franco / ser sincero

informal variation: 'pra ser sincero'

São Paulo

ser franco / ser direto

emphasis on directness; 'para ser direto' is also common

Portugal

ser franco / ser sincero

Portuguese usage: 'para ser franco' or 'falando francamente'

frankly speaking

to put it frankly

in all honesty

to be candid with you

no beating around the bush

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