Idioms - part 15

TO CALL A SPADE A SPADE

1.
Let's call spade a spade. John is a thief.

it means

Let's speak frankly. John is a thief.

2.

You can call our boss a nice guy but I call a spade a spade. He is a jerk.

it means

You can call our boss a nice guy but I believe he is a jerk.

3.

The members of our Board of Directors are very confident about that new project but let's call a spade a spade .....nobody will take the plunge.

it means

The members of our Board of Directors are very confident about that new project but let's be frank ....nobody will risk trying it.

CHECK