Ever heard the expression “they are showing their true colors”? As with many common expressions in the English language, it has a nautical origin.
According to Naval History & Heritage, The expression Show Your True Colors originated as follows:
Early warships often carried flags from many nations on board in order to elude or deceive the enemy.
The rules of civilized warfare called for all ships to hoist their true national ensigns before firing a shot.
Someone who finally “shows his true colors” is acting like a man-of-war which hailed another ship flying one flag, but then hoisted their own when they got in firing range.
Guess you can’t always judge a ship by its flag colors!
Send us your favorite nautical expressions. We love to discover new sailors slang!
