Spell Bee Word: spade

Basic Details

Word: Spade

Part of Speech: Noun

Meaning: A tool with a broad, flat blade used for digging, lifting, and moving soil or other materials.

Synonyms: Shovel, trowel

Antonyms: N/A

Idioms and Phrases

1. Call a spade a spade: To speak plainly and directly about something, without avoiding the truth. Example: "When discussing the challenges, she decided to call a spade a spade and mention the issues honestly."
2. Spitting into the wind: To do something pointless or that is likely to have no effect. Example: "Trying to change his mind was like spitting into the wind; he was very stubborn."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The gardener used a spade to dig a hole for the new flower bed.

Example 2: During the picnic, they challenged each other to see who could dig the deepest hole with a spade.

Example 3: He always carries a spade with him when he goes on camping trips for building a fire pit.

Fun Fact

The word "spade" originates from the Old English "spadu", which is related to various words in other languages that also mean digging tools. Spades have been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations.

Famous Quote

"You can’t hide from the world, and if you don’t call a spade a spade, you’re only fooling yourself." — Unknown

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does "spade" mean?

a) A type of fish
b) A tool for digging
c) A kind of flower
d) A type of bird

Answer: b) A tool for digging

2. Which of these is a synonym of "spade"?

a) Bucket
b) Shovel
c) Fork
d) Rake

Answer: b) Shovel

3. Which sentence uses "spade" correctly?

a) The spade sang beautifully.
b) She painted the spade with bright colours.
c) He used a spade to plant the seeds in the garden.
d) The spade flew across the sky.

Answer: c) He used a spade to plant the seeds in the garden.

4. Which idiom means to be direct about the truth?

a) Spitting into the wind
b) Call a spade a spade
c) Jumping through hoops
d) Biting off more than one can chew

Answer: b) Call a spade a spade

5. What is the opposite of "spade"?

a) N/A
b) Rifle
c) Hammer
d) Shovel

Answer: a) N/A