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

Come, boys," Colonel Tritton said good-temperedly, "never be ashamed of your names; don't sail under false colors, lads.

From The Young Buglers by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

It matters to be honest and not sail under false colors.

From The Desert and the Sown by Foote, Mary Hallock

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

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

Humph! that's a temptation to sail under false colors that most of my kin would thank'ee for.

From Old Farm Fairies: A Summer Campaign In Brownieland Against King Cobweaver's Pixies by McCook, Henry Christopher