call a spade a spade

Speech parts

1. call a spade a spade - Verb

2. call a spade a spade - Phrase

Meaning

call a spade a spade (third-person singular simple present calls a spade a spade, present participle calling a spade a spade, simple past and past participle called a spade a spade)

(idiomatic) To put it bluntly, to be outspoken; to speak the truth, to say things as they really are.

Antonyms

Related terms

Examples

These Macedonians," said he, "are a rude and clownish people, that call a spade a spade. Plutarch

I hate vulgar realism in literature. The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for. Oscar Wilde

We believe that failing to call a spade a spade is not scientific. Leo Strauss

Me? I'm loyal and honest, and I'm a good person. I call a spade a spade. Money doesn't make me; I make money. Without money, I'd be the same person. Floyd Mayweather

Let's call a spade a spade - a lot of times when you are a vegetarian it is a just not very effective eating disorder. Lena Dunham

Sometimes a person has to point fingers, disclose double standards, call a spade a spade.' Bernice King

Words in the phrase

Close letter words and terms