false colours
Britishplural noun
-
a flag to which one is not entitled, flown esp in order to deceive
the ship was sailing under false colours
-
an assumed or misleading name or guise
to trade under false colours
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The puff-sleeved dress is yellow and blue, colours associated with Down's syndrome awareness.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2023
The piece, Column with Speed Lines, was chosen for its red, white and blue colours matching the British and American flags.
From BBC • Jan. 27, 2017
Abingdon, in the pale blue colours made famous by the late Lord Weinstock, took the Listed race run in his memory at Newbury on Thursday afternoon by half a length under Ryan Moore.
From The Guardian • Jun. 9, 2016
Cappa Bleu, blue colours, jumps The Chair on his way to running fourth in the Grand National.
From The Guardian • Nov. 12, 2012
Wraxall says that the celebrated buff and blue colours of the Whig party were adopted by Fox in imitation of the Continental uniform; but his unsupported statement is open to question.
From The Critical Period of American History by Fiske, John
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
