see (someone/something) for what (they) (really) are

to start to understand the truth about someone or something, especially when the truth is bad.

She suddenly saw him for what he was - a cold-hearted, calculating killer.

• take care of yourself
• take center stage
• take centre stage
• take chances
• take charge
• take charge of
• take charge of something
• take coals to Newcastle
• take cue from
• take cue from someone
• take cue from something
• take down
• take down someone
• take down something
• take each day as it comes
• take effect
• take eye off the ball
• take fancy
• Take five!
• take flak
• take for a ride
• take forever
• take for granted
• take great pains
• take great pains to