You Tell The Truth And You Tell It Hard

[Bert45]

I've seen the trailer for "No Return" endless times. Sheridan Smith says to somebody, "You tell the truth and you tell it hard." What does that mean? I've never heard that expression -- tell it (the truth) hard. Can somebody explain, please?

[andy-hughes]

It means you say what you are saying with conviction, and aim to convince the person listening that what you are saying is absolutely true.

[Khandro]

//It means you say what you are saying with conviction, and aim to convince the person listening that what you are saying is absolutely true.//

Unless that is, you're on AnswerBank then save your breath

[andy-hughes]

Calm down Khandro.

[naomi24]

I’ve never heard that expression but I read it as you tell the truth as it is, pulling no punches, regardless of whom it may upset or the consequences.

[tonyav]

I read it as tell the absolute truth with no sugar coating.

[sanmac]

It's just a line coined by a script-writer attempting, unsuccessfully, to create a memorable phrase such as the ones in "Gone With The Wind", "Dirty Harry", "The Shining", etc.

[sanmac]

Well, I guess that the script-writer has achieved a modicum of success in that the people who respond to this thread might remember the line:)

[douglas9401]

It means picking at your nails with a flick-knife while delivering the actualité.