sail under false colors

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.”

Idioms and Phrases

see under false colors.

Example Sentences

I was anxious not to sail under false colors, and he expressed himself approvingly of my sentiment, assuring me that my personal views in politics could make no difference in my status on this occasion.

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“No reason why you should,” Conscience conceded, but added the unpleasant rider, “providing you don’t sail under false colors.”

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I do not want to sail under false colors.

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"He's not a fellow to sail under false colors, but he might still have some delicacy in telling about it—" "He has told me all," said Tom, dryly.

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

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