A spade is a spade
A spade is a spade means you tell the truth even when everyone else is too scared. You’re like a truth-teller in a room full of liars.
My teacher called me a spade because I told the principal the truth about the prank.
My friend called me a spade because I told her mom about her sneaking snacks.
I called my dad a spade because he told my mom about my report card.