A spade is a spade
A spade is a spade means but... and that’s usually when things go from bad to worse. It’s like when you say "but..." and you know it’s going to be a disaster.
My mom said, "I’m tired, but..." and then she yelled at me for eating the last slice of pizza.
My friend said, "I’m happy, but..." and then she told me she failed math.
I said, "I’m ready, but..." and then I got stuck in the elevator.