Definition
显形 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to show one's true colors' — used when someone's hidden nature or real intentions are finally revealed. The verb 显 can separate from 形 to insert aspect markers or complements, e.g. 显了形 ('revealed oneself') or 显不出形 ('unable to show one's true colors'). The gloss also lists 'phenotype' (a technical term in biology/linguistics), but that is a noun usage and likely belongs to a separate entry; this row covers the verb-object sense only.
v.o.
to show one's true colors (idiomatic)
Examples
- 。Tā zhōngyú zài dàjiā miànqián xiǎn le xíng.He finally showed his true colors in front of everyone.
- ，显形。Bié yǐwéi nǐ néng yìzhí yǐncáng, zǒng yǒu yì tiān nǐ huì xiǎn xíng.Don't think you can hide forever; one day you'll show your true colors.
- 显形。Zhège piànzi zài jǐngchá miànqián xiǎn xíng le.This swindler showed his true colors in front of the police.
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