1
general::
Phrase(s): Tell it like it is.
Inf. Speak frankly.; Tell the truth no matter who is criticized or how much it hurts. • Come on man, tell it like it is! • Well, I’ve got to tell it like it is.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Speak the truth, no matter how unpleasant. For example, We're obligated to tell it like it is to the stockholders. [Slang; second half of 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms