To Call A Spade A Spade Meaning, Example

To Call A Spade A Spade Meaning to speak the truth, especially if it isn’t kind or nice, about anything. When you remark that someone “calls a spade a spade,” you are referring to the fact that they speak openly and honestly about everything, including uncomfortable or humiliating topics.

The word “spade”—a slang term for African Americans—is where the expression got its start. In the early 20th century, this was frequently used in disparaging ways in the United States.

It was originally used in John Trapp’s work in 1647, where he asserts that God’s people would refer to a niggard as a niggard and a spade as a spade. The term “niggard” in this context could also refer to the misers of the time rather than specifically to African-Americans.

Usage with Example

Given below are a few examples of the idiom:

• Let’s call a spade a spade before she wears that dress out and makes a fool of herself by looking obese in it.
• He misfired twice on the test. If you were to call a spade a spade, you wouldn’t insist that he give it to you once more.
• Parents frequently refuse to find any flaws in their kids. Calling a spade a spade is always preferable to spoiling the kids with this conduct.

Also Read: Break the Ice- Idiom

Synonyms and Similar Words

A few synonyms of the idiom are: 

• blunt
• candid
• categorical
• outspoken
• plainspoken
• sincere
• aboveboard
• bald
• direct
• directly

 Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

To Call A Spade A Spade Meaning Quiz

I didn’t want to offend you, but I have to call a spade a spade – ____________

• the project is really terrible.
• It is ok
• It is of chemistry

Answer: the project is really terrible.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom To Call A Spade A Spade Meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used and what sort of feeling or meaning it conveys. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.