call a spade a spade
To call a person or thing a name that is true but not polite; speak bluntly; use the plainest language.
Правдиво и открыто говорить о чем-то, особенно о чем-то сложном.
A boy took some money from Dick's desk and said he borrowed it, but I told him he stole it; I believe in calling a spade a spade.
What I like about the new manager is that he calls a spade a spade - it makes things so much easier for everyone.
Что мне нравится в нашем новом руководителе так это то, что он называет вещи своими именами – так всем гораздо проще.
call down
dress down
To scold.
Jim was called down by his teacher for being late to class.
Mother called Bob down for walking into the kitchen with muddy boots.
call for
To come or go to get (someone or something).
John called for Mary to take her to the dance.
To need; require.
The cake recipe calls for two cups of flour.
Success in school calls for much hard study.
This cake recipe calls for some baking soda, but we don't have any.
The members of Congress called for new laws to regulate the banking industry.
call girl
A prostitute catering to wealthy clientele, especially one who is contacted by telephone for an appointment.
Rush Street is full of call girls.
call in question
call into question
call in doubt
To say (something) may be a mistake; express doubt about; question.
Bill called in question Ed's remark that basketball is safer than football.
call it a day
call it a night
To declare that a given day's work has been accomplished and go home; to quit for the day/night. To stop working for the rest of the day/night.
"Let's call it a day," the boss said, "and go out for a drink."
It was nearly midnight, so Mrs. Byron decided to call it a day, and left the party, and went home.
The four golfers played nine holes and then called it a day.
Herb tried to repair his car engine all morning before he called it a day and went fishing.
We've been working hard on this project all evening; let's call it a night.
call it a night
To declare that an evening party or other activity conducted late in the day is finished.
I am so tired that I am going to call it a night and go to bed.
call it quits
To decide to stop what you are doing; quit.
When Tom had painted half the garage, he called it quits.
To agree that each side in a fight is satisfied; stop fighting because a wrong has been paid back; say things are even.
Pete called Tom a bad name, and they fought till Tom gave Pete a bloody nose; then they called it quits.
To cultivate a habit no longer.
"Yes, I called it quits with cigarettes three years ago."