Pinyin:
chǒuhuà shuō zài qiántou
Meaning:
先指出不利的因素或不好的后果。
to point out potential bad results or unfavorable factors ahead of time
Character breakdown and explanation:
丑话：blunt words
说：speak; say
在：at
前头：in front; ahead
“丑话” indicates unpleasant but realistic and honest talk. To warn someone of potential bad results or unfavorable factors before that person sets out to do something is called “丑话说在前头”. “丑话说在前头” is often a warning or suggestion to someone else; this phrase could also be used as “丑话说到前头”.
Example sentences:
咱们丑话说到前头，你要是到时候不能还钱，我只能把你的车拖走了。
Zánmen chǒuhuà shuō dào qiántou, nǐ yàoshi dào shíhòu bù néng huán qián, wǒ zhǐ néng bǎ nǐ de chē tuō zǒu le.
Let me be blunt, if you can't pay back the money on time, I'll have to tow your car.
虽说对方是你好朋友，但我觉得做生意还是得丑话说在前边，谁也不保证一定能赚。
Suīshuō duìfāng shì nǐ hǎo péngyou, dàn wǒ juéde zuò shēngyi háishi děi chǒuhuà shuō zài qiántou, shuí yě bù bǎozhèng yídìng néng zhuàn.
Even though they are good friends of yours, I believe it is good business practice to be blunt. No one can be sure we can make a profit.
