to show one's true colors
9
6.3
- idiom
- Informal
:
mostrar su verdadera cara
- Thank you for making a stand and forcing them to show their true colors.
- I think they showed their true colors
- Now they're showing their true colors
- Finally showing their true colors
Examples
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We hope that they show their true colors so that decent people of all origins will reject them.
Blog text (5) -
During the debate, he showed his true colors by revealing his extreme views on the issue.
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Peter finally showed me his true colors.
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Then he'll show his true colors.
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I guess she decided to show her true colors.
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I think until you show your true colors, until you show who you are.
Academic text (2013) -
Then let's go show the world his true colors.
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Topher's finally showing his true colors.
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So you've finally shown your true colors.
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He showed his true colours.
Synonyms
23
4.2
Show what someone or something really is
1
7.2
Show who you really are instead of pretending
Antonyms
How Revealing
Surface Forms
Morphology
While 'show' and 'true' transparently signal 'reveal something genuine', the noun 'colors' is metaphorical for character or intentions and is not a literal meaning learners will reliably map from the word 'color'. Because part of the meaning is compositional but the key metaphorical link ('colors' = character) is conventional and not obvious without exposure, this expression is best judged semi-transparent.
Etymology
Show one's true colors may come from old sailors and ships. Captains would sometimes sail under a fake flag to get close, then raise their real colors ('flags') before a fight, so the phrase now means 'to reveal your real character or intentions'.