sail under false colors

Cultural  

1. To behave deceptively; the “colors” of a ship are its identifying flags: “It turned out that the door-to-door sales rep was sailing under false colors and was actually a swindler.”

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sail under false colors Idioms  

1. see under false colors.

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Example Sentences

He hoped, too, and trembled while the thought flitted through his mind, that no one in the room would speak his name, for it was his turn to sail under false colors now.

From Rodney The Partisan by Castlemon, Harry

Patricia feared that the expense of such select dining might be too much for her small store of funds and she was determined not to sail under false colors with this luxuriant companion.

From Miss Pat at Artemis Lodge by Ginther, Pemberton

I do not intend that either of us shall sail under false colors.

From The Rose in the Ring by McCutcheon, George Barr

But I will not sail under false colors in your eyes, lad.

From The Blood Ship by Springer, Norman

She doesn't like to sail under false colors and so insult old Dame Nature, whose kindnesses and benefits are so well meant and freely offered.

From The Woman Beautiful or, The Art of Beauty Culture by Stevans, Helen Follett