call a spade a spade
call a spade a spade
Meaning
- this phrase means to say something the way it is
- to not dress the truth up and speak in a straight forward manner
- it is used when the description of something is given in an honest manner
Example Sentences
- That dress made her look fat, let’s call a spade a spade before she goes out wearing it and embarrasses herself.
- He failed the exam twice. If you were to call a spade a spade then you would not push him to give it again.
- Parents are often reluctant to see any faults in their children. It is always better to call a spade a spade rather than spoiling the children with this behaviour.
Origin
The phrase is said to have originated from the slang that was used for African-Americans, which is ‘spade’. This was used in a derogatory manner in the United States and was popular in the early 20th century.
The first known publication of this term precisely is from John Trapp’s work in 1647 where he claims that God’s people would call a spade a spade and a niggard a niggard. The term niggard here does not necessarily refer to African-Americans but could be an indication of the misers at the time.
feather in your cap ❯❮ diamond is forever
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About
The Idioms Dictionary explains common English idioms that are popular worldwide, especially in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand.
7 Thoughts
Ugh; always thought this had to do with the suite of playing cards. The things you learn… Thank you!
- Ysabet December 8, 2022
I once read the phrase in an old Nancy drew book, but she said, “let’s call a spade a spade and not a pointed digging implement.”
- Nikki November 7, 2022
I am not suggesting the use of any term that’s intended to be hurtful or insensitive but should the facts not be provided in the most truthful and uncensored manner as it was originally applied? What good is recording or reporting history if what is being noted isn’t done accurately? Learning accurate facts of the past can help everyone not repeat those mistakes.
- C Balthrop November 28, 2021
We must always use the word only ‘people’ instead of black or white people.Basically we all are human beings manifested and created by one God.
- Vijay Saraf Meenaghe April 28, 2018
I believe in call a spade a spade. He lost contract due to his incompetence.
- Khuram February 10, 2018
I’m not sure where this website is hosted, or who posts most of the content but “Negro” is an extremely dated word in American English. I would strongly suggest that it be replaced with “black people” or “African-Americans” to be current with modern accepted usage. “Negro” is not necessarily a slur, but it unquestionably evokes usage in the United States from before the 1970’s, and thus the eras of slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation in the US. This entry is admirably honest about the derogatory slang origins of this idiom, so it seems especially strange for the word “Negro” to appear in the definition.
- G December 12, 2017
Hello! Thank you for pointing out something that should have been taken in a sensitive stride already. We have accepted your suggestion and replaced the word. Perhaps an unrequited justification is that the message sought to be conveyed through the idiom was taken to its crude form by the writer. We do not encourage it.
Thank you again!
The Idioms Team
- Fatima Savoy December 13, 2017