show (one's) butt
(chiefly Southern United States slang) To act in a rude, obnoxious, or aberrant manner; to misbehave or act foolishly; to make a scene. My Mammaw says that we can go down to the mall on our own, but she said not to show our butts or we'll be grounded! You need to start controlling how much you drink when we're out. You were showing your butt in front of all your colleagues!
show (one's) cards
To make one's plans, intentions, ideas, or resources known to others, especially those previously hidden or kept secret. (A variant of "show one's hand"; both phrases refer to displaying the cards one has in one's hand during a card game.) In business negotiations, it's important that you don't show your cards right away, or you might risk losing out on the best deal possible. Pressure from the IRS is forcing the notoriously secretive CEO to show his cards regarding his company's tax profile and offshore accounts.
show (one's) (true) colours
To reveal what one really believes, thinks, or wants; to act in accordance with one's real personality, character, or disposition. Primarily heard in UK. Dave said all along that he only wanted this deal because it was in the company's best interest, but he showed his true colours once he realised that he wouldn't get any special commission for his efforts. It's only in times of crisis that your friends will really show their colours.
show (one's) (true) stripes
To reveal what one really believes, thinks, or wants; to act in accordance with one's real personality, character, or disposition. (A less common variant of "show one's (true) colors/colours.") Dave said all along that he only wanted this deal because it was in the company's best interest, but he showed his true stripes once he realized that he wouldn't get any special commission for his efforts. It's only in times of crisis that your friends will really show their stripes.
show the flag
To stand up for, support, or defend someone or something. A number of people from the actor's hometown are arriving into New York to show the flag at his debut performance on Broadway. My country is often a target for insults or gibes abroad, so whenever I go traveling I make a point of showing the flag for it.
show (a/the) white flag
To offer a sign of surrender or defeat; to yield or give in. After the prosecutors brought forward their newest evidence, the defendant showed the white flag and agreed to the plea bargain. We've been in negotiations for weeks, but it looks like the other company might finally be ready to show a white flag.
show (one's) horns
To reveal one's evil or malicious nature. The devil is typically depicted with horns. I thought I could trust Eric until he showed his horns by spreading rumors about me. Jill definitely sabotaged my last two relationships. She might seem nice, but she always shows her horns eventually.
show the cloven hoof
To reveal one's evil or malicious nature. The devil is typically depicted with cloven hooves. I thought I could trust Eric until he showed the cloven hoof by spreading rumors about me. Jill definitely sabotaged my last two relationships. She might seem nice, but she always shows the cloven hoof eventually.