Call a spade a spade

Meaning

The idiom "call a spade a spade" means to speak the truth or to make a direct, honest statement about something. It is often used when someone is trying to avoid speaking bluntly or being straightforward with what they really think.

Usage

• She decided it was time to call a spade a spade and tell her boss that the project was over budget.
• When asked about his feelings for her, he finally called a spade a spade and told her he didn't love her back.
• The politician was accused of being dishonest but instead of denying it, he called a spade a spade and admitted to his mistake.
• After years of hiding her true identity, the actress finally decided to call a spade a spade and come out as a transgender woman.
• The coach was not pleased with his team's performance but instead of criticizing them, he called a spade a spade and told them they needed to work harder.

Roots and History

The exact origins of the idiom are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Elizabethan England when people used to play cards in public houses. A "spade" was a slang term for money, so if someone was trying to cheat at cards, they might try to call a spade a spade and pretend to know more about cards than they actually did. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean speaking honestly or directly, regardless of the situation.

Synonyms in English

• Tell it like it is
• Speak your mind
• Be forthright
• Say it straight
• Give it to me straight

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "hablar sin tapujos" (speak without masks)
• French - "parler le langage direct" (speak the direct language)
• German - "aussprechen" (to make known)
• Italian - "dire il vero" (to say the truth)
• Japanese - "直接言葉" (naka-jikotoba) (direct speech)

Similar Idioms

• catch eye

• cut the mustard

• cut the crap