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Straight Shoulder Page I Room Smoke Frankly Honestly

Idiom Straight from the Shoulder
Example This is straight from the shoulder: I don't want to room with you because you smoke.
Meaning frankly, honestly
Origin This is another well-known saying that comes from boxing. A prize fighter knows that a punch thrown straight from the shoulder is a full-force punch. It is quick, effective, and to the point. In the late 1800s this expression took on a wider meaning. If someone speaks to you in a sincere, honest way, even though it may upset you, he or she is speaking "straight from the shoulder." Other idioms that come from boxing are "hit below the belt" (see page 91), "on the ropes"(see page 135), and "pull no punches" (see page 151).

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