true colours

• true colors

true colours pl (plural only) (Britain)

1. 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.

   • 1986, Billy Steinberg, Tom Kelly (lyrics and music), “True Colors”, performed by Cyndi Lauper:

     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 show

• true stripes

• show one's true colors