spade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Kamara - who scored a stunning winner against Wolves last month - is viewed as almost unique, someone who can do the unglamourous spade work without the ball, at a subtle but high technical level.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

The Trump Administration can rely on intellectual spade work from Sen. Roger Wicker, and many of the ideas we’ve discussed here are in the next defense authorization bill.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

“I mean, call a spade a spade: Bron is on his last couple of years — however many years he decides to play,” Austin Reaves said.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 20, 2025

The investment firm thinks Tesla will manage through its Musk-related branding problems and its stock will rebound, but it calls a spade a spade.

From Slate • Mar. 4, 2025

It makes the same scraping sound as a spade cutting the earth.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz