"shows his true colors"

Posted by Wayne Jackson on October 06, 2000

I've looked all over for the meaning and origin of this nautical phrase but I have not been able to find anything on it. Please Help. ("shows his true colors")

• "Shows his true colors" ESC 10/07/00
  • True colors, false colors ESC 10/07/00
    • True colors, false colors Oxhead 10/11/00