how the cow ate the cabbage
This Southern folk saying is used to convey blunt honesty or to reveal harsh truths, often in an unvarnished manner.
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Definition
C1Conversation
(informal, regional)To speak bluntly or directly, often delivering unwelcome news or criticism without sugarcoating.
Example
- When he found out about the mistake, he told her how the cow ate the cabbage.
C1Instruction
(informal, regional)To explain something in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner.
Example
- The coach told the new players how the cow ate the cabbage during the first practice.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "how the cow ate the cabbage":