To speak honestly and directly with someone, especially about something difficult or previously avoided.
To tell someone the truth, even if it's hard to hear.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To be completely honest and direct with someone, often revealing something important or uncomfortable.
"Let me level with you — I don't think you're ready for the promotion yet."
I'm going to level with you — this is not going to be easy.
To speak frankly to someone after a period of uncertainty or avoidance, often as a way of clearing the air.
"She finally levelled with her manager about the problems she'd been having on the project."
To place oneself at the same level or height as someone — implying equality and openness.
To tell someone the truth, even if it's hard to hear.
Always followed by a person ('level with me', 'level with her'). Has a slightly confessional or frank tone — often used when the speaker is about to say something unexpected or blunt. Common in American English.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "level with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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