Phrasal verb
level with
Definition
phrasal verb. to be completely honest and direct with someone, especially about a difficult topic. You use this when you stop hiding the truth.
phrasal verb. To speak honestly and openly with someone, typically by revealing information previously withheld. This prepositional verb requires an object representing the person being addressed.
Examples
“I need you to level with me about the cost.”
“After hours of vague answers, the manager decided to level with the staff about the upcoming budget cuts.”
“It is imperative that the administration levels with the public regarding the environmental impact of the new industrial zone to maintain civic trust.”
Examples
simple
“I need you to level with me about the cost.”
contextual
“After hours of vague answers, the manager decided to level with the staff about the upcoming budget cuts.”
complex
“It is imperative that the administration levels with the public regarding the environmental impact of the new industrial zone to maintain civic trust.”
Usage
This phrase is almost always used when the speaker suspects the other person is hiding something.
Teaching tip
The phrase suggests 'leveling' the playing field by sharing the same information that the other person has.
Pitfall
Please level me about the situation.
Please level with me about the situation.
The preposition 'with' is mandatory to connect the verb to the person being spoken to.
Phrasal verb
Particles
with
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
level + with + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/level-with