false colours

British  

plural noun

1. a flag to which one is not entitled, flown esp in order to deceive

   the ship was sailing under false colours

2. an assumed or misleading name or guise

   to trade under false colours

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Example Sentences

The new photographs include images in false colours that clearly show the shape of Carn Glas.

From BBC

Since both edible and inedible Pachyrhynchus sport the same warning patterns, the newly hatched, soft-bodied beetles are actually sailing under false colours.

From Economist

The map uses false colours to tease out subtle differences on the otherwise dark surface of Ceres.

From Nature

The map uses false colours to tease out slight differences on the otherwise dark surface of Ceres.

From Scientific American

The view is presented in false colours to highlight the crater's different features, such as the sandy ripples and dunes on the floor.

From Children's BBC