reveal one's true vicious nature; show one's true colors
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to reveal one's true vicious nature; to show one's ferocious features completely; to expose one's evil intentions
literaryDescribes someone who was previously hiding their malicious nature but has now completely revealed it. Often used when someone drops their friendly pretense and shows aggression or cruelty. Strong negative connotation.
Dǎi歹
tú徒
jiàn见
jì计
huà划
bài败
lù露
，
dùn顿
shí时
xiōng凶
xiàng相
bì毕
lù露
，
wēi威
xié胁
zài在
chǎng场
de的
rén人
zhì质
。
When the criminal saw his plan was exposed, he immediately revealed his true vicious nature and threatened the hostages present.
Píng平
shí时
zhuāng装
de得
hé和
ǎi蔼
kě可
qīn亲
，
yī一
dào到
zhēng争
duó夺
lì利
yì益
shí时
jiù就
xiōng凶
xiàng相
bì毕
lù露
。
He usually pretends to be kind and approachable, but reveals his true ferocious nature as soon as interests are at stake.
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Dí敌
rén人
xiōng凶
xiàng相
bì毕
lù露
，
kāi开
shǐ始
duì对
cūn村
mín民
jìn进
xíng行
kǒng恐
hè吓
。
The enemy revealed their completely ferocious features and began to intimidate the villagers.