PhrasesHub

Warts and all

    Definitions

      • to accept someone or something with all their faults and imperfections
        to describe a complete and honest portrayal of a person or thing, including their flaws and shortcomings

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

    Examples of Warts and all

    • The biography of famous writer was praised for its warts and all depiction of her life, revealing not just the accolades, but also the struggles and setbacks that she faced.

      The phrase "warts and all" in this context means to depict a person or situation in its entirety, without omitting or glossing over the negative aspects. It's often used to describe biographies or memoirs that aim to be honest and accurate in their portrayal of the subject. By using this idiom, the writer is emphasizing the authenticity and candor of the biography, highlighting its value as a true and unvarnished account of the writer's life.

    • The author's newest book is a warts-and-all biography of Steve Jobs.

      This example uses the idiom "warts and all" to describe a biography that presents a true and complete picture of Steve Jobs, even if it includes his flaws and imperfections, like warts on the skin.

    • In her warts-and-all memoir, Oprah Winfrey details her struggles with poverty and abuse.

      This example uses the idiom "warts and all" to describe a memoir that portrays Oprah's life in its entirety, including the difficult and unpleasant aspects that might be seen as negative qualities, like warts on the skin.

    • The artist's paintings were praised for their warts-and-all realism.

      This example uses the idiom "warts and all" to describe paintings that accurately depict real life, including all the imperfections and detail that might be thought of as flaws or unattractive qualities, like warts on the skin.

    • In order to gain a full understanding of the country's history, we need to study it warts and all.

      This example uses the idiom "warts and all" in a more figurative way, to mean that in order to have a complete and accurate understanding of something, we need to consider all aspects, even the unpleasant or negative ones, just as warts on the skin are a part of our bodies, whether we like it or not.

    • The author decided to publish the memoir warts and all, revealing every detail of their life, no matter how embarrassing or unflattering.

      This usage of the idiom "warts and all" means to present something in its entirety, including all flaws and imperfections. In this example, the author is choosing to tell their life story in a completely honest and unfiltered way, even if that means revealing negative or embarrassing aspects of themselves.

    • The teacher encouraged her students to write their essays warts and all, allowing them to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of criticism or judgment.

      In this example, the teacher is encouraging her students to be completely forthright and authentic in their writing, sharing everything that comes to mind, flaws and all, rather than trying to present a polished or perfect image.

    • The reality TV show promised to show the contestants warts and all, revealing their true personalities and motivations in unflinching detail.

      Here, the idiom is being used to indicate that the show will provide an unfiltered and uncensored look at the contestants, showing them as they truly are, warts and all - weaknesses, flaws, and all.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "warts and all" can be used to describe accepting someone or something with all their faults and imperfections, as well as to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task by cautioning about its potential negative outcome.

    When used in the context of accepting someone or something, it emphasizes the importance of embracing the entirety of a person or thing, including their flaws and imperfections. In the context of discouraging someone, it serves as a warning to consider the potential negative consequences before proceeding with a certain action or decision.

    Overall, "warts and all" highlights the importance of being honest and transparent in one's portrayal or acceptance of someone or something, and serves as a cautionary reminder to consider all aspects before making a decision.

    Origin of "Warts and all"

    The origin of the idiom "warts and all" can be traced back to the 17th century, when it was famously used by Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of England, in a letter to the painter Sir Peter Lely. In the letter, Cromwell requested that Lely paint him "warts and all," indicating that he wanted an honest and unflattering portrayal of himself, including his imperfections.

    This usage has since evolved into a popular idiom that is commonly used to emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency in one's portrayal or acceptance of someone or something. The phrase has become a symbol of embracing the entirety of a person or thing, including their flaws and imperfections, and has also been used to caution against overlooking potential negative consequences. Overall, the idiom "warts and all" has a rich historical origin and has evolved to carry a powerful message about honesty and acceptance.