calling a spade a spade
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"They were even saying that they were afraid to say these things and thanked me for calling a spade a spade," she said.
From BBC • Jan. 13, 2022
“When you’re dealing with so much power, not speaking, not calling a spade a spade, makes you weaker, makes us more vulnerable.”
From Washington Post • Mar. 2, 2021
I don’t think it’s fair to penalize anyone for calling a spade a spade, as inelegant as their calls may be, but I do think it’s fair to speak up.
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2019
But if the end result is the same -- well, I'm perfectly willing to calling a spade a spade.
From Scientific American • Mar. 17, 2018
They were a little frightened at this smooth-faced young fellow, and the swing and smash of his words, and his dreadful trait of calling a spade a spade.
From The Iron Heel by London, Jack
