Definition
In a manner which does not conceal shortcomings or imperfections.
Origins
In 1653, an artist, Samuel Cooper, was asked to paint Oliver Cromwell’s portrait. Cromwell preferred the portrait to be shown with “pimples, warts and everything” (i.e., to include any defects and imperfections). Over time, this phrase has come to be shortened to “warts and all”.
In Context
- "The new crop of reality shows brings us that much closer to the contestants, warts and all."
- ""We are very open and publish everything we investigate in detailed reports - warts and all," adds French."
See Also
- bare all
- bare one's soul
- gory details
- leave nothing to the imagination
- tell-all