Phrase guide

true colours

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

The real character, belief or intent of a person or group who present a dishonest picture of their nature to the world.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, plural, plural-only

Examples

  • The organisation was officially concerned with economic development, but after the memo was leaked people began to see them in their true colours.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

See show one's true colors.