Idioms

call a spade a spade

This page is about the idiom call a spade a spade

Meaning

If you call a spade a spade, you tell the truth in a straightforward and direct way, even if the truth is not pleasant.

For example

  • I should warn you that Sandra calls a spade a spade, so if she thinks you say something wrong or make a mistake, she'll say so.

  • Sometimes it's good to call a spade a spade, but sometimes it's better to be more diplomatic in what you say.

Quick Quiz

Harvey was just calling a spade a spade when he said

a. he likes to work in the garden

b. you should lose some weight

c. you should cheat when playing cards
a) he likes to work in the garden b) you should lose some weight c) you should cheat when playing cards

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey