[PAR] [TLE] Call a spade a spade [SEP] To "call a spade a spade" is a figurative expression which refers to calling something "as it is", that is, by its right or proper name, without "beating about the bush"—being outspoken about it, truthfully, frankly, and directly, even to the point of being blunt or rude, and even if the subject is considered coarse, impolite, or unpleasant.  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."  The idiom has appeared in many literary and popular works, including those of Oscar Wilde, Charles Dickens, W. Somerset Maugham, and Jonathan Swift. [PAR] [TLE] W. Somerset Maugham [SEP] William Somerset Maugham CH ( ; 25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965), better known as W. Somerset Maugham, was a British playwright, novelist and short story writer.  He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s.
[PAR] [TLE] Call a spade a spade [ SEP ] To " call a spade a spade " is a figurative expression which refers to calling something " as it is " , that is , by its right or proper name , without " beating about the bush"—being outspoken about it , truthfully , frankly , and directly , even to the point of being blunt or rude , and even if the subject is considered coarse , impolite , or unpleasant . 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 . " The idiom has appeared in many literary and popular works , including those of Oscar Wilde , Charles Dickens , W. Somerset Maugham , and Jonathan Swift . [PAR] [TLE] W. Somerset Maugham [ SEP ] William Somerset Maugham CH ( ; 25 January 1874 – 16 December 1965 ) , better known as W. Somerset Maugham , was a British playwright , novelist and short story writer . He was among the most popular writers of his era and reputedly the highest - paid author during the 1930s .
Call a spade a spade has been used in literary works by what British playwright, novelist, and short story writer who was reportedly the highest-paid author during the 1930s?
Call a spade a spade has been used in literary works by what British playwright , novelist , and short story writer who was reportedly the highest - paid author during the 1930s ?
William Somerset Maugham
William Somerset Maugham