ʃoʊ wʌnz truː ˈkʌl.ərz
Colors
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- to display one's actual flags or banners
What does "show one's true colors" mean?
- to reveal one's real character or intentions
- to behave in a way that shows who you really are
Examples
- He seemed nice at first, but he showed his true colors when things got difficult.
- The crisis made the company show its true colors — they really cared about their employees.
- People often show their true colors when they're under pressure.
Origin
From naval warfare, where ships would sometimes fly false flags to approach an enemy, then hoist their true colors before attacking.
How to use it
Can be used positively or negatively, though more often negative — revealing hidden bad qualities.
Similar expressions
reveal oneself
show one's hand
drop the mask
Opposites
put on a front
hide behind a mask
keep up appearances
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "show one's true colors" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.