Remove a 'where' clause from an ActiveRecord::Relation

Question

I have a class method on User, that returns applies a complicated select / join / order / limit to User, and returns the relation. It also applies a where(:admin => true) clause. Is it possible to remove this one particular where statement, if I have that relation object with me?

Something like

User.complex_stuff.without_where(:admin => true)

Answer 1

I know this is an old question, but since rails 4 now you can do this

User.complex_stuff.unscope(where: :admin)

This will remove the where admin part of the query, if you want to unscope the whole where part unconditinoally

User.complex_stuff.unscope(:where)

ps: thanks to @Samuel for pointing out my mistake

Answer 2

I haven't found a way to do this. The best solution is probably to restructure your existing complex_stuff method.

First, create a new method complex_stuff_without_admin that does everything complex_stuff does except for adding the where(:admin => true). Then rewrite the complex_stuff method to call User.complex_stuff_without_admin.where(:admin => true).

Basically, just approach it from the opposite side. Add where needed, rather than taking away where not needed.