true colours
nounEtymology See show one's true colors.
1
UK The real character, belief or intent of a person or group who present a dishonest picture of their nature to the world.
- The organisation was officially concerned with economic development, but after the memo was leaked people began to see them in their true colours.
- But I see your true colors / Shining through / I see your true colors / And that's why I love you / So don't be afraid to let them show1986, Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly, “True Colors”, performed by Cyndi Lauper:
- Synonyms
- true stripes
- Related terms
- show one's true colors