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to show some colour

to show some colour

6.6
Make something brighter and more lively with colour or style
  • idiom
  • UK
translation icon : dar color
  • Her designs always show some colour, making each piece unique and lively.

Examples

  • Let's show some colour in our marketing materials to attract more attention.

  • You should show some colour in your speeches to engage the audience.

  • Why don't you show some colour in your designs?

  • It's time to show some colour in your artwork!

  • The new mural in the community center really shows some colour, brightening up the entire space.

  • During the festival, the dancers show some colour with their vibrant costumes and lively performances.

  • The chef decided to show some colour on the plate by using a variety of fresh vegetables.

Synonyms

to display
vsto show some colour
439 1.9

To show something so other people can see it

adds brightness or liveliness rather than merely making it visible
to shine
vsto show some colour
31 2.5

To look healthy, happy, or full of color in the face

describes actively adding vibrancy or personality rather than just appearing so
to brighten
vsto show some colour
27 2.7

To make a place or thing look more cheerful by adding color

includes expressing liveliness or personality as well as adding color
to lighten up
vsto show some colour
6 3.3

To make a room or object look brighter and more cheerful

focuses on physical brightness and attractiveness rather than adding personality
to show colour
vsto show some colour
  • UK
5.1

Appear in bright colours or make your style clear by what you wear

emphasizes actively adding brightness or liveliness rather than only making it visible

Antonyms

31 1.0

Not bright or shiny with weak colour

To stop people from showing their own style or ideas

How Colorful

to burst
81 3.9
to show some colour
  • UK
6.6
to brighten
27 2.7

Surface Forms

show some colour infinitive
show some color infinitive
showed some colour past participle
showed some color past participle
showing some colour present participle
showing some color present participle
shows some colour third person singular
shows some color third person singular

Morphology

show + some + color

The meaning 'to add vibrancy or liveliness' is directly derivable from combining 'show' (to display) with 'some' (an indefinite amount) and 'colour' (vividness or brightness). The figurative use of 'colour' to mean liveliness is common and predictable from the parts, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would likely infer the intended sense.

Etymology

Show some colour may come from painting and flags, where to show bright colour makes an object stand out and look alive. So saying 'show some colour' means 'add life or personality' or 'be more lively'.