True believers almost put off by harsh truths? (9)
I believe the answer is:
stalwarts
'true believers' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'almost put off by harsh truths?' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'put off' becomes 'stall' (I've seen this in another clue).
'by harsh truths?' becomes 'warts' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'stall' with its final letter removed is 'stal'.
'stal'+'warts'='STALWARTS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for stalwarts that I've seen before include "Brave sturdy persons" , "Strong and faithful supporters" , "They are true" , "Resolute folk j" .)