showing one's true colors
Dropping the pretense
Showing one's true colors means revealing one's real character, especially after concealing it.
The phrase often implies the revealed nature is worse than expected: He seemed charming at first, but showed his true colors when things got difficult.
Less commonly, someone shows true colors by demonstrating unexpected virtue or courage.
The expression derives from naval ships flying false flags to deceive enemies before revealing their actual allegiance.
- unmaskingRevealing what's hidden
- honestyTruthfulness, sincerity
- genuinenessQuality of being real
- transparencyState of being see-through
- coming cleanAdmitting wrongdoing honestly
revelation · self-awareness · betrayal · disclosure · vulnerability · duplicity · uncovering · deceit · courage · sincerity · integrity · facade · unveiling · true self · candor · openness · truthfulness · exposure
showing one's true colorsplaying a part
Assuming a role
putting on an act · dissembling · pretending · masquerading · playing a role
showed, showing, shower, showiness, oneness, trueness, truest, untrue, colors