idiom. to do or say something that makes people who do not know each other feel more comfortable: I tried to break the ice by talking to the people next to me about the weather.
What can I say instead of call a spade a spade?
- blunt.
- candid.
- categorical.
- outspoken.
- plainspoken.
- sincere.
- aboveboard.
- bald.
Is it OK to say call a spade a spade? To complicate matters, the word spade came into use in the United States during the 1920s as a pejorative term for African-American. For this reason, the term call a spade a spade has sometimes been perceived as a racist phrase, even though its roots reach back to antiquity. Use caution when employing this phrase.
What is the meaning of call a spade a spade in idioms? to say the truth about something, even if it is not polite or pleasant.
Where does the term call a spade a spade originate? 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 is a spade used for? Spade is a tool used for digging straight-edged holes or trenches, slicing and lifting sod, and edging flower beds or lawns.
What is the meaning of break the ice in idioms? – Related Questions
Is spade a shovel?
A spade generally has a relatively flat blade with straight edges. It’s smaller than a shovel (although size does vary, depending on use) and the blade tends to be in line with the shaft, rather than angled forward.
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 does black as the ace of spades mean?
Completely black; totally without light or color. (“Spades” is a black suit in a deck of cards.) Potentially offensive, due to the history of “spade” as a derogatory slang term for a black person. The basement gives me the creeps, it’s as black as the ace of spades down there!
What is the idiom of call it a day?
idiom informal. C2. to stop what you are doing because you do not want to do any more or think you have done enough: I’m getting a bit tired now – let’s call it a day. After 14 years living and working in this country, she thinks it’s time to call it a day.
What is the idiom of bring out?
Other Idioms and Phrases with bring out bring out. 1. Expose or reveal; make conspicuous. For example, His book brought out some new facts about the war, or Her photographs bring out the play of light on her subjects. [ Late 1500s]
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’s another word for spade?
In this page you can discover 24 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for spade, like: garden tool, implement, trowel, scoop, pick-axe, shovel, pickaxe, crowbar, penknife, bucket and hatchet.
What are the different types of spades?
We have put to the test four types of spades – digging, border, pointed and transplanting – and each is designed with a specific set of jobs in mind. Other considerations will include value for money, along with the weight, length, shaft and the materials the garden spade is made from.
What is a flat shovel called?
A spade is what most people consider a flat shovel. It has a flat tip, rather than pointed, and a somewhat concave design that helps it perform as both a digger and a scooper. The edge of a spade is sharp, which helps it cut through tough materials, like heavily-packed soil or rocks.
What’s the difference between a spade and a hoe?
Hoes have angled blades, making them great for weeding, hilling, and edging. Spades have flat blades, making them perfect for digging, transplanting, and edging.
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 long narrow shovel called?
Trench Shovel Trench shovels have a long and narrow blade with a pointed tip, and the blade is set at an angle.6 days ago
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 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 does it mean to keep a stiff upper lip?
Definition of stiff upper lip : a steady and determined attitude or manner in the face of trouble. Other Words from stiff upper lip Example Sentences Learn More About stiff upper lip.
What does a red ace of spades mean?
Telling fortunes with cards was one. In the French fortune-telling tradition, an Ace of Spades indicates bad luck or death in one’s future. United States troops in the Vietnam War heard this caused some superstitious Vietnamese to fear the card to such a degree that they’d retreat at the very sight of it.
What is a queen of hearts?
queen of hearts (plural queens of hearts) (card games) One of the 52 playing cards in a standard deck. A woman who has gained the adoration of the public.
What does a ace of spades tattoo mean?
The Ace symbolizes the number one and the Ace of Spades is often the highest value card in many card games. In this context, an Ace of Spades tattoo meaning could represent leadership, intuition, or the first step in a cycle. It could also stand for a new beginning, a fresh start, or a new phase of life.
Can’t hold a candle meaning?
If someone or something is just not as good enough when compared to another, it is said that it can’t hold a candle to the far superior, much better version.
What is the idiom of spill the beans?
idiom. to let secret information become known: We’ll all be there at 6 for the surprise party – now don’t spill the beans!
What does the saying When Pigs Fly mean?
Definition of when pigs fly —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.
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 the idiom by hook or by crook?
phrase. If someone says they will do something by hook or by crook, they are determined to do it, even if they have to make a great effort or use dishonest means.
What is the probability it is a spade?
Hence for drawing a card from a deck, each outcome has probability 1/52. The probability of an event is the sum of the probabilities of the outcomes in the event, hence the probability of drawing a spade is 13/52 = 1/4, and the probability of drawing a king is 4/52 = 1/13.
