Calling a spade a spade:
Definition:
To speak frankly and bluntly; to be quite explicit.
Origin:
This phrase dates back to the sixteenth century or earlier, potentially to Greek and Roman times. Its documented uses include translations of Cicero’s Ad Familiares and John Taverner’s Garden of Wysdome (1539). Esteemed authors like Ben Jonson, Robert Burton, Jonathan Swift, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain have kept it in circulation.
Evolution:
While initially considered a description of straightforward speech, the term evolved in recent times to acquire a more controversial meaning due to the racial connotations associated with the word “spade” as a slang term for a black person. As a result, its use needs careful consideration today.
Related Terms:
- Tell it like it is
- Speak plainly
- Get to the point
- Say it straight
Similar Expressions:
- To be brutally honest: Achieving honesty without sugar-coating.
- Lay it on the line: Presenting the truth straightforwardly.
- Cut to the chase: Omitting unnecessary details to get to the crux of the matter.
Synonyms:
- Candid
- Forthright
- Direct
- Unfiltered
Antonyms:
- Evasive
- Indirect
- Beating around the bush
- Sugar-coated
Humor-Filled Quote: “If I called a spade a spade, my garden would never forgive me!” – Anonymous Gardener
Proverbs:
- “Honesty is the best policy.” – This proverb underlines the virtue of speaking frankly.
References in Literature and Media:
- Jonathan Swift – Swift’s blunt satires push the boundaries of calling a spade a spade.
- Mark Twain – Known for his biting wit and ability to “tell it like it is.”
Inspirational Recommendation:
- Book: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – A masterclass in using blunt truth to critique societal norms.
- Movie: The Invention of Lying – A humorous take on a world where blunt honesty is the only form of speech.
Thought-Provoking Farewell: “Remember, in a world that often sugar-coats, calling a spade a spade can be the unvarnished truth needed to cultivate genuine understanding.”
Quizzes to Understand Better:
