Sail under false colours In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "sail under false colours", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Zesty Y

2021-12-06 04:12

by false pretenses

Sail under false colours verb phrase

To deliberately hide one's true nature, intentions or purposes

Some scammers sailed under false colors to deceive money via using fake emergencies.

Some bad men sail under false colours to pretend to be a family friend or relatives to steal children.

an iron fist/hand (in a velvet glove)

Someone who looks gentle and sweet but in fact is severe and forceful

string someone along

To maintain someone's attention or to keep them waiting in a state of uncertainty.

smell a rat

to doubt that something is untrue, unreliable or deceptive

crooked as a barrel of fish hooks

Very dishonest and deceptive

keep (one's) own counsel

This idiom means that someone does not share what they think or feel with others.

The verb "sail" must be conjugated according to its tense.

This phrase hints at pirates who often sailed under the national flag of the ship they planned on attacking.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .