level with someone

level with (one)

To be honest with one, especially after having been deceitful or not completely truthful or forthcoming. I'm going to level with you, OK? I'm not who you think I am. Jesse, you need to level with us so we can help you. We're on your side, but you need to tell us the truth.
See also: level
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

level with someone

Speak frankly and openly to someone, as in His companions advised him to level with the customs inspector. [Colloquial; early 1900s] Also see on the level.
See also: level, someone
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

level with someone

in. to speak truly and honestly with someone. Okay, I’m gonna level with you. This thing is a steal at this price!
See also: level, someone
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • be not cut out for something
  • be not (oneself)
  • address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
  • address comments or remarks to
  • address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
  • be in it for
  • (the) odds are against (something)
  • away from it all
  • be out of (one's) head
  • be at a disadvantage
References in periodicals archive
Whilst Jack says he hasn't got a type because "It's all about getting on a level with someone", he then turned around and said,
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Astro Focus
"He's started so much that it's difficult to accept and we've seen it at club level with someone like Steven Gerrard when he was getting to the end," he said.
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"They recognise the value of talking at an emotional level with someone who will hear them, without judgement.
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appears to put him on a level with someone like Alex Ross, The New Yorker's no-fooling music critic.
The Tooth Tattoo
"To have the chance maybe to draw level with someone like Ian Rush is unbelievable.
Trophies not goal records driving ace Kuyt; DUTCHMAN JUST ONE EURO STRIKE BEHIND LEGEND RUSH
"To be level with someone like that, and win the championship and score a goal is fantastic."
Football: Giggs rediscovers a goal-den feeling
But to gain an appreciation of the complete picture - including many little things most visitors would never notice - it helps to see the slough at sea level with someone like Tom Gaskill.
Do the slough