Under false colours

Suggest a Correction

Meaning

While concealing one's true identity, allegiance or intentions behind a deceptive appearance. Colour is British spelling and color American. The phrase may be literal in naval history or figurative for misrepresentation. Regional use: British and European maritime usage; chiefly British spelling.

Origin

Colours were identifying flags carried by military units and ships. In a documented action of 1681, Algerine vessels attacked the Kingfisher while flying a succession of French, Dutch and English false colours. That real stratagem made the expression a direct image of deceptive identity. Collins and Cambridge preserve both the literal naval sense and the broader idea of an assumed or misleading guise, although the first figurative citation remains uncertain.

Research Sources

  1. False colours Collins English Dictionary
  2. False flag Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  3. The Action of the Kingfisher with Seven Algerine Ships, 1 June 1681 Royal Collection Trust

Variants

  • Sail under false colours
  • Fly false colours
  • Under false colors

Usage Examples

  • The lobby group operated under false colours, hiding its commercial sponsor.
  • A caller sailing under false colours obtained access to the private meeting.
  • The account posed as a local charity but was flying false colours.

Keep Exploring

Browse all phrases