respond frankly

[rɪˈspɒnd ˈfræŋkli]
verb phrase
responder com franqueza
1. to answer or reply in an honest, direct, and candid manner without concealment or evasion
When asked about the project's failures, the manager decided to respond frankly with the board of directors.
Quando questionado sobre os fracassos do projeto, o gerente decidiu responder com franqueza ao conselho de administração.
2. to give a straightforward answer without diplomatic softening or hedging
She chose to respond frankly to the criticism rather than defend herself with excuses.
Ela optou por responder com franqueza à crítica em vez de se defender com desculpas.
In Brazilian business culture, responding frankly is increasingly valued as a sign of integrity and professionalism, though hierarchical considerations may still influence how directly someone speaks. In American contexts, directness and frank responses are generally culturally expected and respected as indicators of honesty and confidence.
NYC Slang
keep it real / shoot straight
Synonyms / Sinônimos
respond honestlyanswer directlyspeak candidlyreply truthfullybe forthright
Antonyms / Antônimos
respond evasivelyanswer diplomaticallyspeak indirectlyrespond dishonestlyhedge

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
responder com franqueza
most common and widely understood expression
Rio de Janeiro
responder na lata
informal, colloquial variant meaning to respond bluntly
São Paulo
responder sinceramente
alternative using 'sinceramente' (sincerely) instead of franqueza
Portugal
responder com sinceridade
Portuguese preference for 'sinceridade' over 'franqueza'

Related Words

franknesscandorhonestydirectnesstransparencyforthright

Related Idioms & Phrases

call a spade a spade
tell it like it is
speak one's mind
lay all cards on the table
be upfront about something
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