Examples

他说话向来直截了当, 所以我们猜测他写的文章也不蔓不枝。

He always speaks in a direct way, and that is why we guess his writing style must be concise and straight-forward. → 不蔓不枝

你不用客气, 有什么事情就直截了当地说吧。

Don't stand on ceremony. Speak directly if you have any problems. → 了当

发言要直截了当，不必穿靴戴帽。 → 穿靴戴帽

直截了当 → 了当

a direct answer

直截了当的回答 → direct

a point-blank answer

直截了当的回答 → point-blank

He avoided giving a direct answer.

他避免作出直截了当的回答。 → direct