warts and all crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving even the trickiest crossword clues. On this page, you'll find all possible solutions and detailed explanations for the clue "warts and all crossword", helping you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "warts and all crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FRANK: Characterized by being open, honest, and direct, revealing everything without reservation, including imperfections. This word perfectly captures the essence of "warts and all."
11 Letters
UNVARNISHED: Meaning presented without embellishment, distortion, or hiding any defects. This adjective directly reflects the idea of showing something completely, including its 'warts'.
More About "warts and all crossword"
The phrase "warts and all" is an idiomatic expression that means to include or show all the bad or unattractive features of something or someone, along with the good ones. It implies a complete and honest presentation, without any attempts to sugarcoat or conceal imperfections. This concept is often used in descriptions of people, situations, or even historical accounts, advocating for a holistic and truthful perspective.
Originating from Oliver Cromwell's famous instruction to his portrait painter, Sir Peter Lely, the phrase emphasizes authenticity over idealized representation. For crossword puzzles, this clue often points to answers that convey truthfulness, completeness, or a lack of disguise. Recognizing such common idioms is a key strategy for successfully tackling complex crossword challenges, as they often lead to unique and precise vocabulary.
When you encounter a clue like "warts and all crossword", think about words that mean honest, complete, real, or unedited. The specific number of letters in the answer blank will then guide you to the exact word, whether it's a shorter synonym or a longer, more descriptive term like 'unvarnished'.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: For idiomatic clues like "warts and all," consider the figurative meaning. Does it suggest honesty, completeness, or flaws? Think of synonyms for these concepts.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answers to the provided letter count. This is the fastest way to eliminate incorrect guesses and narrow down options.
- Cross-Reference with Intersecting Words: Use letters from solved intersecting words to confirm your answer. If a word like "UNVARNISHED" fits, check if its letters align with other clues.
- Think of Synonyms and Antonyms: If a direct synonym doesn't come to mind, consider antonyms of the opposite meaning and then flip the concept. Sometimes a clue is hinting at what something ISN'T.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the phrase "warts and all" mean?
The idiom "warts and all" refers to showing or accepting someone or something completely, including all their faults, imperfections, or undesirable aspects, without any attempt to hide or disguise them. It emphasizes presenting the full, unfiltered truth.
Where did the phrase "warts and all" originate?
The phrase is famously attributed to Oliver Cromwell. When having his portrait painted by Sir Peter Lely, he reportedly instructed the artist, "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, and warts, and everything as you see me, otherwise I will never pay a farthing for it."
How can understanding idioms like "warts and all" help with crosswords?
Understanding idioms and common phrases is incredibly valuable for solving crosswords because many clues rely on idiomatic expressions, double meanings, or cultural references. Recognizing them can quickly lead to the correct answer, especially for longer, more descriptive clues that hint at a well-known saying.