false colors

plural noun

1. the flag of a country other than one's own, especially when used deceptively:

   sailing under false colors.

2. false or deceptive actions or statements; misrepresentation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of false colors¹

1565–75, for literal sense

Idioms and Phrases

Pretense, misrepresentation, or hypocrisy; deceptive statements or actions. For example, She's sailing under false colors—she claims to be a Republican, but endorses Democratic legislation . This term alludes to the practice of pirate ships sailing under false colors —that is, running a particular flag specifically to lure another vessel close enough to be captured. [Late 1600s]

Example Sentences

He is however flying under false colors, and his constantly shifting stories are as bemusing to Jane as they are amusing to the audience.

From Los Angeles Times

During the campaign, Mr. Trump called for a temporary ban on all Muslim immigration, and as president he has tried to halt entry from Syria and a handful of other Muslim-majority countries, contending that some of the refugees and other migrants could be terrorists trying to slip into the United States under false colors.

From New York Times

In an interview on CNN, Woolsey said he did not want to “fly under false colors.”

From Time

In an interview on CNN, Woolsey said he did not want to “fly under false colors.”

From Washington Times

In an interview on CNN, Woolsey said he did not want to “fly under false colors.”

From Seattle Times