What does “eine ehrliche Haut” mean in German?

After admitting he prefers women without glasses, the speaker softens the remark: “ich bin eine ehrliche Haut.” Word for word, that is “an honest skin,” but it means a person who is honest through and through — honesty is simply part of who they are, not something they choose each time. The phrase sounds warm and a little self-mocking, gentler than the plain “ich bin ehrlich” (I am honest).

He says: “Ich bin halt ehrlich und ich bin eine ehrliche Haut.” — “I’m just honest, and I’m an honest soul.” “Haut” is literally “skin,” but in this set phrase it points to the whole person, deep down. Examples: “Mein Opa war eine ehrliche Haut” (My grandpa was a thoroughly honest man). “Sie ist eine ehrliche Haut, sie kann nicht lügen” (She’s honest by nature, she can’t lie). The phrase is friendly and a little fond — often said about someone you like or respect. Next to plain “ich bin ehrlich” (I’m being honest right now), “eine ehrliche Haut” describes a lasting character trait, not just this one moment.