Question

call a spade a spade

Accepted Answer

speak plainly or bluntly without avoiding issues which are unpleasant or embarrassing. A variation on this phrase, dating from the early 20th century and used for humorous emphasis, is call a spade a shovel.

1998 - Spectator - A man whom I might not agree with where politics are concerned, but one who calls a spade a spade. speak plainly or bluntly without avoiding issues which are

Word	call a spade a spade
Description	speak plainly or bluntly without avoiding issues which are unpleasant or embarrassing. A variation on this phrase, dating from the early 20th century and used for humorous emphasis, is call a spade a shovel. 1998 - Spectator - A man whom I might not agree with where politics are concerned, but one who calls a spade a spade. speak plainly or bluntly without avoiding issues which are

Spade Call Speak Plainly Bluntly Avoiding Issues Unpleasant