show true colors
Expose real self
To show true colors is to reveal one's real character, intentions, or loyalties—especially when these differ from what was previously displayed.
The phrase often implies disappointment or betrayal: He seemed supportive at first, but showed his true colors when the project got difficult.
Someone might also show true colors in a positive sense, revealing hidden courage or generosity under pressure.
- revealMake something visible
- maskFace-worn concealment
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- unmaskedHad covering removed
- exposeMake known publicly
betray · come clean · deception · authenticity · slip · pretense · genuine · hidden · character · intentions · snake in the grass · two-faced · honest · pretend · real · fake · loyalty · trust
show true colorskeep up appearances
Pretend all is well
wear a mask · put on an act · play a part · dissemble · feign
show true colorsstay in character
live a lie · hold back · keep mum · wolf in sheep's clothing
show, shows, showed, shown, showing, showy, showiness, true, truly