When you 'tell it like it is' you the facts honestly without sugar-coating them or downplaying them. When you 'tell it like it is' you give an honest opinion and don't avoid being unpleasant or giving bad news. 

1. You can always rely on Lisa to tell it like it is. She's not the kind of person to sugarcoat her words.
2. Do you think Paul and I are a good couple? I know you will tell me like it is.
3. I'm going to tell you like it is, your outfit is terrible. You are trying too hard.

1. I respect Paul because he's a journalist who always tells it like it is, no matter who he offends.
2. We need employees who aren't afraid of telling it like it is. Communication suffers if you're constantly worried about rubbing people up the wrong way.