Region: General | Usage example: She calls a spade a spade, so you know what she really thinks.

Call a spade a spade

Meaning

Speak honestly about something, even if it is blunt.

Used to praise candor or blunt language.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

From a 16th-century translation tracing back to ancient Greek expressions.

Survived centuries of translated prose and is still cited for frankness.