call\ a\ spade\ a\ spade

call\ a\ spade\ a\ spade
v. phr.
To call a person or thing a name that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language.

A boy took some money from Dick's desk and said he borrowed it, but I told him he stole it; I believe in calling a spade a spade.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • call a spade a spade — {v. phr.} To call a person or thing a name that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language. * /A boy took some money from Dick s desk and said he borrowed it, but I told him he stole it; I believe in calling a spade a… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • call a spade a spade — {v. phr.} To call a person or thing a name that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language. * /A boy took some money from Dick s desk and said he borrowed it, but I told him he stole it; I believe in calling a spade a… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • call a spade a spade — A person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no attempt to conceal their opinions or to spare the feelings of their audience …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • call a spade a spade — ► call a spade a spade speak plainly and frankly. Main Entry: ↑spade …   English terms dictionary

  • call a spade a spade — phrasal : to give a thing its plain name even if considered offensive : speak plainly or bluntly without elaboration or euphemism * * * call a spade a spade To speak plainly without euphemism • • • Main Entry: ↑spade * * * call a spade a spade… …   Useful english dictionary

  • call a spade a spade — say it in plain language; the straight goods    Kris will report the facts. She s not afraid to call a spade a spade …   English idioms

  • call a spade a spade — to tell the truth about something, even if it is not polite or pleasant. You know me, I call a spade a spade and when I see someone behaving like an idiot, I tell them …   New idioms dictionary

  • call a spade a spade —    A person who calls a spade a spade is one speaks frankly and makes little or no attempt to conceal their opinions or to spare the feelings of their audience.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    A person who calls a spade a spade speaks… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • call a spade a spade — verb to speak the truth; to say things as they really are Maybe God just calls a spade a spade, when the president talks to God …   Wiktionary

  • call a spade a spade — speak bluntly He was calling a spade a spade when he began to criticize his employee for being lazy …   Idioms and examples

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