To disclose or show what one is in reality, to reveal your true nature

Etymology:

  • It has been prevalent since many centuries those ships had different colorful flags as a sign of their identity. But it so happened sometimes that a ship could fly a false or fake flag to fool its enemy. This thing was expressed as sailing “under false colors”. If the deceitful ship came into view by flying its real flags it meant it “showed its true colors”. Similarly the idea can be referred to the people who show their true colors by revealing showing their real character or nature.
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I really considered John as my good friend but he really showed his true colors when he cheated me in the deal.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

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    "Show Your True Colors." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/show-your-true-colors_45021>.

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