color

a horse of another/a different color (American)

a situation or a subject that is different from what you had first thought it was. You said you didn't like going to the movies, but if you don't want to go because you're broke, that's a horse of another color.

See also: another, different, horse

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show someone's/something's true colors

to let others see what someone or something is really like. Hal's wife showed her true colors by getting a second job when he lost his. Workers felt the company revealed its true colors during the crisis.

See also: show, true

with flying colors

with great success. She took a driving test and passed with flying colors. My brother always managed to get through his courses, although not always with flying colors.

Etymology: based on the small and colorful flags flown (= hung in the wind) on boats and ships in a race or when coming into port

See also: flying