Meanings
A mistaken translation of Ancient Greek τὰ σῦκα σῦκα, τὴν σκάφην δὲ σκάφην ὀνομάσων (tà sûka sûka, tḕn skáphēn dè skáphēn onomásōn, “calling figs figs, and a trough a trough”). The word σκάφη (skáphē, “trough”) was mistranslated by the medieval scholar Desiderius Erasmus as σκαφείον (skapheíon, “digging tool”).
How to pronounce "call a spade a spade":
AU
To put it bluntly, to be outspoken; to speak the truth, to say things as they really are.
Example Sentences
1
Don't beat around the bush, just call a spade a spade.
2
We need someone who will call a spade a spade and address the issue directly.
3
Her straightforwardness is refreshing; she never hesitates to call a spade a spade.
4
I may not agree with his approach, but he certainly knows how to call a spade a spade.
5
It's frustrating to work with someone who can't call a spade a spade and avoids taking responsibility.
