THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Call a spade a spade
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To speak plainly and honestly about something, even when the truth is unpleasant.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Let us call a spade a spade: the timetable leaves too little time for the main task.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Let us ________: the timetable leaves too little time for the main task.
Show the answer
Call a spade a spade — To speak plainly and honestly about something, even when the truth is unpleasant.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Call a spade a spade” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To speak plainly and honestly about something, even when the truth is unpleasant.
Compare: Let us call a spade a spade: the timetable leaves too little time for the main task.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it informally when emphasising directness. It can sound blunt, so it is not a substitute for being considerate.
More examples in context
- She prefers to call a spade a spade rather than hide a serious problem behind vague language.
- He called a spade a spade and said the plan needed more funding.
Usage note
Plain speaking does not require insulting someone. Focus on the specific problem, and recognise that listeners may find the phrase confrontational.
A short conversation
A: Can we describe the missing preparation as a small oversight?
B: Let us call a spade a spade. We did not prepare enough, and we need to put it right.
A: Then let us agree on the next steps.
One more practice question
Who is calling a spade a spade?
A. Someone directly naming an uncomfortable problem rather than disguising it.
B. Someone deliberately using vague praise to hide the problem.
Check your answer
A. The expression describes blunt, straightforward honesty.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.