call a spade a spade

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

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Example

“Let's call a spade a spade: the plan simply won't work.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

beat around the bush Informal · CEFR B2

To avoid talking about the main point directly.

cut to the chase Informal · CEFR B2

To get to the important point without wasting time.

bad news Informal · CEFR A2

an unpleasant piece of information; (informal) a person or thing likely to cause trouble

so far so good Informal · CEFR A2

used to say that things have gone well up to now

break the ice Neutral · CEFR B1

To do or say something that eases tension and gets people talking comfortably in an unfamiliar social situation.

circle back Informal · CEFR B1

to return to a topic or person later, after other things have happened

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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