kɔːl ə speɪd ə speɪd
- Literally:
- To call a digging tool by its proper name
What does "call a spade a spade" mean?
- To speak frankly and directly
- To describe something as it really is without euphemism
Examples
- Let's call a spade a spade—this project is a failure.
- I appreciate that she calls a spade a spade.
- He's known for calling a spade a spade, even when it's uncomfortable.
Origin
From ancient Greek through Latin and Renaissance Europe. Plutarch attributed a version to Philip II of Macedon. The phrase emphasizes plain speech over polite euphemism. Used in English since the 16th century.
How to use it
Valued expression for honest, direct communication. Some avoid it due to a mistaken belief about racial connotations—the idiom predates such usage by centuries.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "call a spade a spade" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.