The phrase "awful truth" refers to a truth or fact that is unpleasant, difficult to accept, or may cause distress or discomfort when revealed. Full definition
During the course of interviews and research, I learned so many awful truths about the potential dangers of breast implants not only for the patients but for their babies. (safbaby.com)
Then there's the theatrical glowering of Rhys Ifans as Snowden's spy handler Corbin O'Brian (an obviously fictitious version of Snowden's actual boss, Keith Alexander), who teaches his young genius about the deep, awful truths of post-9 / 11 national security. (cinema-scope.com)
You can talk up Romney all day, but it will never re-hide the many awful truths that video revealed about Romney's TOTAL lack of character, literal detachment from reality, and STATED contempt for most of the poor and middle class. (religion.blogs.cnn.com)