Just to cross the t and dot the i...
Meaning of Idiom ‘Call a Spade a Spade’ To call a spade a spade is to speak plainly and truthfully, even if the truth contains criticisms, bad news, or is unpleasant to hear. This idiom is often used when someone is about to say something rude, offensive, or insensitive and is not necessarily a precursor to a truthful statement.