show one's true stripes

Verb

 * 1)  To reveal one's real beliefs, sentiments, or character, especially through one's behavior.
 * 2) * 2002, Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex, ISBN 9780307401946 (2011 reprint), p. 363 (Google preview):
 * “Now they're showing their true stripes,” Iimmy Fioretos said. “The Turks wanted to invade all along. That malarkey about ‘protecting the Constitution’ was just a pretext.”
 * “Now they're showing their true stripes,” Iimmy Fioretos said. “The Turks wanted to invade all along. That malarkey about ‘protecting the Constitution’ was just a pretext.”