Antonyms for the phrase "called a spade a spade" would be referring to situations when someone is not straightforward or direct in their speech. Instead of being truthful and honest, they may use ambiguous or euphemistic language to soften the impact of their words.
Examples of antonyms for "called a spade a spade" include beating around the bush, sugarcoating, evading the issue, and using delicate or vague expressions. These behaviors can make it challenging to understand someone's true intention or message, leading to misunderstandings and confusion.
It is essential to be honest and direct in our communication, so our listeners can understand and trust us. Therefore, we should strive to avoid the antonyms of "called a spade a spade" and be upfront and sincere in our words.