In spades means an abundance, having more than an enough, a large quantity, or to a large degree. The idiom in spades is a reference to the suit in a deck of cards.
What does it mean to say call a spade a spade? phrase. If you say that someone calls a spade a spade, you mean that they speak clearly and directly about things, even embarrassing or unpleasant things.
Can we call a spade a spade? To speak directly and bluntly; to avoid euphemism: “The prosecutor said, ‘Let’s call a spade a spade. You didn’t borrow the money, you stole it.
What is another way to say call a spade a spade?
| be direct | be blunt |
|---|---|
| be candid | be straightforward |
| be to the point | shoot from the hip |
| speak frankly | speak honestly |
| pull no punches | come clean |
Is a spade a spade a bad saying? Around the late 1920s, this association shifted to imply the suit of playing cards instead. At the same time, the word “spade” began to be used as a code word for black people. These two adjustments in language usage took “call a spade a spade” from an innocuous Greek idiom to an uncomfortably racist phrase.
Where did calling a spade a spade come from? The idiom originates in the classical Greek of Plutarch’s Apophthegmata Laconica, and was introduced into the English language in 1542 in Nicolas Udall’s translation of the Apophthegmes, where Erasmus had seemingly replaced Plutarch’s images of “trough” and “fig” with the more familiar “spade”.
What does it mean when you have spades? – Related Questions
Where does the phrase in spades come from?
The idiom wasn’t used prior to the 1920s, so it is said to be derived from the card game Bridge, which was popular during that time. Spades were the highest ranking suit in that card game, so the more spades you had, the more likely you were to win.
What is the saying out in lavender?
The expression, mostly used in informal contexts, means to criticise someone severely; to give him/her a dressing down. *The CEO was angry with the Manager. She laid him out in lavender.
Is a shovel a spade?
You may also notice that a spade tends to be straighter than a shovel from handle to blade tip. Whereas the shovel blade is usually angled forward, the spade blade is not. It’s that angle that makes the biggest difference in functionality between the two tools. The angled shovel blade makes it efficient for digging.
Can of Worms meaning?
Definition of open a can of worms : to create a complicated situation in which doing something to correct a problem leads to many more problems Our boss is reluctant to change the policy now because she doesn’t want to open a can of worms.
What is the origin of peanut gallery?
Peanut gallery According to linguistics experts, the origin of this phrase derives from the late 1800s Vaudeville era, a popular style of entertainment that included jugglers, comedians, singers and more. The “peanut gallery” was the cheapest section of seats, usually occupied by people with limited means.
Who coined call a spade a spade?
“To call a spade a spade” entered the English language when Nicholas Udall translated Erasmus in 1542. Famous authors who have used it in their works include Charles Dickens and W. Somerset Maugham, among others.
What does it mean to pay someone back in spades?
pay (someone) back in spades 1. To get or seek revenge or retribution on someone. After our fight in the school yard, I resolved to pay the bully back in spades for the black eye he’d given me.
What does it mean paying in spades?
Considerably, in the extreme; also, without restraint. For example, They were having money problems, in spades, or Jan told him what he really thought of him, in spades. This expression alludes to spades as the highest-ranking suit in various card games, such as bridge, and transfers “highest” to other extremes. [
What is the meaning of idiom white elephant?
something that is expensive, or that costs a lot of money to keep in good condition, but that has no useful purpose and is no longer wanted: She believes the development may become a white elephant that fails to attract suitable tenants.
What does old as Methuselah mean?
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Methuselah’s name “has become a synonym for longevity”. Saying that someone is “as old as Methuselah” is a humorous way of saying that someone is very elderly.
What’s the saying something of grandeur?
A false and exaggerated belief about one’s status or importance. Delusions of grandeur are often considered to be synonymous with megalomania.
What is a small spade called?
gardening trowel In gardening and horticulture, they are useful in planting and potting for digging holes and breaking up clumps of soil. Gardening trowels typically have strong, narrow blades with sharp points. They are a small type of spade.
Why are American spades different?
The most common type is the American shovel, which has a wide blade and no handle. This type is perfect for moving large amounts of earth or snow. The European shovel, which has a narrow blade and a long handle. This type is ideal for digging in soil and moving small amounts of earth.
What is a square shovel called?
Trenching or irrigation shovel: This shovel has a square, narrow blade that is good for making a deep hole without disturbing plants nearby. It can be used for transplanting or removing individual plants or, as the name suggests, for digging irrigation trenches.
Why do we say kettle of fish?
The saying has nothing to do with fish or kettles or boiling fish. It refers to another topic that’s very different or more advanced from the current subject matter. In this case, the kettle refers to the logos of information, and the fish is the specific subject matter in question.
What does the saying kettle of fish mean?
Definition of kettle of fish 1 : a bad state of affairs : mess. 2 : something to be considered or dealt with : matter a different kettle of fish.
What does the phrase drop of a hat mean?
idiom. If you do something at the drop of a hat, you do it immediately without stopping to think about it: People will file lawsuits at the drop of a hat these days. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.4 days ago
What is the saying out in lavender?
The expression, mostly used in informal contexts, means to criticise someone severely; to give him/her a dressing down. *The CEO was angry with the Manager. She laid him out in lavender.
What does the saying to sit on the fence mean?
idiom. to delay making a decision: You can’t sit on the fence any longer – you have to decide whose side you’re on. Doubt & ambivalence.
What is the meaning of the idiom a man of straw?
man of straw noun [C] (WEAK) someone who has a weak character: He was accused by his opponents of being a man of straw and lacking in decisiveness.4 days ago
What is the meaning of to cut a sorry figure?
To appear in a way or make an impression that causes oneself to be regarded unfavorably by others. You’ll cut a sorry figure at the job interview if you wear jeans.
