level with: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘level with’ mean?

The idiom "level with" means to be honest and frank with someone, sharing information or feelings openly and directly. It emphasizes the importance of being truthful and transparent in communication.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding the Enigma

The idiom "level with" means to be honest and open with someone, to provide them with complete and accurate information. When someone says they are going to "level with" someone, it indicates a desire to be straightforward and transparent in their communication.

The origins of the idiom "level with" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The word "level" in this context refers to a flat, even surface, suggesting a sense of balance and honesty in communication. The word "with" emphasizes the idea of sharing or confiding in someone.

This idiom is often used in personal and professional contexts. For example, a manager might say to an employee, "I want to level with you about the company's financial situation," indicating a need for frank and open discussion. Similarly, a friend might say, "I need to level with you about what happened last night," expressing a desire to share the truth about a particular event.

It is important to note that the idiom "level with" is typically used in informal conversation rather than formal writing. It adds a conversational and relatable tone to communication, allowing for a more personal connection between individuals.

When using this idiom, it is crucial to consider the context and audience. It is also essential to ensure that the information being shared is accurate and trustworthy. Being "level with" someone requires a certain level of trust and honesty in the relationship.

The idiom "level with" is related to the idioms "to be honest" and "level best." These idioms share a common theme of honesty and openness in communication. When someone says "to be honest," it indicates a desire to speak truthfully and sincerely. Similarly, when someone says they will do their "level best," it means they will make every effort and be completely honest in their actions.

Incorporating these idioms into conversations can enhance the clarity and impact of communication. For example, instead of simply saying, "I need to level with you about the project's challenges," one could say, "To be honest, I need to level with you about the project's challenges." This additional phrase emphasizes the speaker's commitment to honesty and openness.

Similarly, instead of saying, "I will try my best to meet the deadline," one could say, "I will do my level best to meet the deadline." This revised statement conveys a stronger sense of determination and honesty in the speaker's intention.

Overall, incorporating the idioms "to be honest" and "level best" into conversations that involve being "level with" someone can enhance the effectiveness and impact of communication. These idioms emphasize the importance of honesty, openness, and sincerity in building strong relationships and fostering meaningful conversations.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "level with" can be used in a sentence:

  • She decided to level with her boss and tell him the truth about the mistake she made.
  • He promised to level with his parents and explain why he had been skipping school.
  • I need you to level with me and tell me exactly what happened at the meeting.

The idiom "level with" is used to express the act of being honest, open, and straightforward with someone, especially when revealing information or discussing difficult topics. It implies a direct, sincere, and transparent communication where there are no hidden motives or agendas. The idiom emphasizes the importance of sharing information honestly and truthfully, fostering trust and understanding in relationships.

More "Communication" idioms