SHOW ONE'S COLORS

{v. phr.} 1. To show what you are really like. * /We thought Toby was timid, but he showed his colors when he rescued the ponies from the burning barn./ 2. To make known what you think or plan to do. * /Mr. Ryder is afraid that he will lose the election if he shows his colors on civil rights./ * /We would not help Jim until he showed his colors./