show (someone or something) up as (something)
To reveal someone's or something's true nature, character, or properties. The books shows up the CEO as a megalomaniac only concerned with increasing his own wealth and power. The senator showed the legislation up as an attempt to enrich the nation's wealthiest citizens.
show someone up as something
to reveal that someone is really something (else). The investigation showed her up as a fraud. The test showed up the candidate as unqualified.