Question: what is the meaning of the idiomatic expression call a spade a spade?
Answer: It is also referred to as "let's call a spade a spade, not a gardening tool" which refers to calling something "as it is", that is, by its right or proper name, without "beating about the bush"—being outspoken about it, truthfully, frankly, and directly, even to the point of being blunt or rude, and even if the subject ...