Warts and all
Meaning
To accept or present something or someone completely, including all their faults, imperfections, or undesirable characteristics.
Origin
The phrase "warts and all" is famously attributed to Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader of the 17th century. Legend has it that when he commissioned a portrait from the artist Sir Peter Lely, Cromwell instructed him, "Mr Lely, I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it." This direct and unflinching demand for an honest depiction, including his facial blemishes, gave birth to the enduring expression for presenting or accepting something in its entirety, flaws included.
Examples
- We decided to buy the old house, warts and all, knowing it would need a lot of renovation but loving its unique character.
- The biography presented the famous artist, warts and all, revealing both their brilliant successes and their personal struggles.