The British Idiom – True colours

Definition of True colours

In the past, ships would hoist their colours, the flag under which they sailed. If a ship showed false colours, they could trigger another ship into thinking they were allies. When they show their true colours, they were telling the world the truth about themselves, and this is where this idiom comes from.

Examples of Usage of True colours

As soon as he won the election and was installed as president, he showed his true colours, but there was little that anybody could do about it. The intense media coverage of the trial as forced the celebrity to show his true colours to the world. No wonder the sponsorship deals have dried up.

YouTube Video

Now watch my YouTube video English lesson which contains this British English idiom.