call a spade a spade Definition

spade¹
noun

1a. A long-handled digging tool with a broad metal blade which is designed to be pushed into the ground with the foot;
1b. Anything that is of a similar shape or used for a similar purpose, eg a child's plastic digging toy, or a knife-like implement used by whalers.
2. One spade's depth.

verb

spaded, spading
1. To dig or turn over (ground) with a spade.

Derivative: spadelike
adj

Derivative: spader
noun

Idiom: call a spade a spade

To speak plainly and frankly.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon spadu.