show one's colors
show (one's) (true) colors
To reveal what one truly believes, thinks, or wants; to act in accordance with one's real personality, temperament, or disposition. Dave said all along that he only wanted this deal because it was in the company's best interest, but he showed his true colors once he realized that he wouldn't get any special commission for his efforts. It's only in times of crisis that your friends will really show their colors.
See also: color, show
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
show one's colors
see under false colors; also show one's true colors.
See also: color, show
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- show (one's) (true) colors
- show colors
- show one's true colors
- reveal (one's) (true) stripes
- show (one's) (true) stripes
- show (one's) (true) colours
- show your colours
- show your true colours
- revealing
- reveal (one's) (true) colors