What’s the meaning of the phrase “show true colors”?
The phrase “show true colors” is used to refer to a situation when someone is in a situation and he/she does something that shows what kind of character that person really has. Normally, the phrase “show true colors” has a negative context, because the person who shows his or her true colors is exposed to be a bad person. But, it can also be used in a positive context as well, although that is less commonplace.
Example of “show true colors” in a sentence
Here’s an example of how the phrase “show true colors” can be used in a sentence:
"When Joe started to make a lot more money, he also started to show his true colors. He stopped socializing with people who made less money than him, and left his wife for a younger woman."