[Idiom] CALL A SPADE A SPADE. - Promote Honest and Direct Communication
Call a spade a spade.
/kɔːl ə speɪd ə speɪd/
To speak frankly and straightforwardly.
To “call a spade a spade” is to speak directly and bluntly, without any fluff. Just as you would clearly identify a spade tool when you see one without calling it something else, this idiom encourages outright truthfulness, facing facts as they are, which can be crucial for effective communication and problem resolution.
Example Sentences
He's always been one to call a spade a spade, no sugarcoating the facts.
He prefers to speak honestly and directly, avoiding any form of misleading information.
When it comes to business, she calls a spade a spade—that's why clients trust her.
In her professional dealings, she is straightforward and honest, which earns her client's trust.
During the meeting, he called a spade a spade, pointing out all the project's flaws without hesitation.
He openly criticized the project's shortcomings without trying to soften the criticism, showing directness.