saying the quiet part loud

Verb

say the quiet part loud (third-person singular simple present says the quiet part loud, present participle saying the quiet part loud, simple past and past participle said the quiet part loud)

1. (idiomatic) To willingly express a sentiment that is normally considered embarrassing, disreputable or controversial to hold; to reveal an ulterior motive.
   • “Just what are you trying to say here, Miss Parker?”
     “That you’re a jingoistic idiot.” Yeah, I said the quiet part loud. I blame the pain meds. But there‘s no way I was letting this metal-heavy moron lecture me about my duty to my country, without giving me the chance to make up my own mind.2012, Dana Fredsti, Plague Town: An Ashley Parker Novel, Titan Books, chapt. 9