Idioms

warts and all

This page is about the idiom warts and all

Meaning

If you show something warts and all, you show it exactly as it is without trying to hide any of its faults or weaknesses.

For example

  • Are you sure you want to read the first draft? You'll see it warts and all, with all the mistakes and all the bad writing still there.

  • People don't want to see an idealised version of his life. They want to know the real story, warts and all.

Quick Quiz

The Kurt Cobain biography is good because it's a real warts and all account of his life, and it doesn't try to

a. show the more disturbing parts of his life

b. hide the more disturbing parts of his life

c. show his weaknesses as well as his strengths
a) show the more disturbing parts of his life b) hide the more disturbing parts of his life c) show his weaknesses as well as his strengths

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey