Literal Translation
To call a cat a cat
Actual Meaning
To call a spade a spade
Etymology
In the 18th century, the female sex was referred to as ‘chat’ in slang, more specifically the pubic hair, playing on the ambiguity of the term which refers to the pet animal. It was the poet Nicolas Boileau who first used the expression in a satire denouncing the hypocrisy of society.
In other words, rather than beating around the bush (same origin?), calling things by their name and being precise is the simplest way to communicate with those around you.
If you find out why the English one is about spades, let me know!