What does “To call a spade a spade.” mean?
"To call a spade a spade" means to speak honestly and directly, even if it is impolite or blunt.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I appreciate your straightforwardness, but sometimes it's better to be tactful rather than to call a spade a spade.
Example
She doesn't beat around the bush; she always calls a spade a spade and tells it like it is.
Example
Some people find it offensive when you call a spade a spade, but I believe in being honest and upfront
Is “To call a spade a spade.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To call a spade a spade.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To call a spade a spade.” effectively in context?
You can use "To call a spade a spade" when you want to emphasize the importance of being straightforward and honest, even if it may come across as impolite or blunt. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase:
- 1Giving Feedback
Instead of beating around the bush, she decided to call a spade a spade and told her colleague that his work was subpar.
- 2Expressing Opinions
He never hesitates to call a spade a spade and always speaks his mind, even if his opinions are unpopular.
- 3Addressing Problems
In order to find a solution, it's important to call a spade a spade and acknowledge the root cause of the problem.
Similar phrases to “To call a spade a spade.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To call a spade a spade.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To call a spade a spade" can be traced back to ancient Greece. The phrase was first recorded in Greek by the philosopher Plutarch, who used it in his work 'Moralia.' It was later translated into English in the 16th century by the scholar Erasmus. The phrase refers to the act of speaking honestly and directly, without sugarcoating or euphemisms.
Is “To call a spade a spade.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To call a spade a spade" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage honesty and directness in communication.
What tone does “To call a spade a spade.” have?
"To call a spade a spade" conveys a tone of bluntness and straightforwardness. It is often used to express a no-nonsense attitude and a preference for truthfulness over politeness.
Can “To call a spade a spade.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To call a spade a spade" can be used in both informal and formal settings. However, due to its direct and potentially impolite nature, it is more commonly used in informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. In formal settings, it is advisable to use more tactful language.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She didn't hesitate "to call a spade a spade" and pointed out the flaws in the proposal.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's "call a spade a spade" here' to imply the need for honesty.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- be frank
- be candid
- be plain-spoken
- speak plainly
- tell the truth
