Definition
狐狸尾巴 (hú li wěi ba) is a four-character idiom that literally means 'fox's tail' but is used figuratively to refer to a telltale sign or a hidden intention that eventually reveals someone's true nature. It often appears in the pattern 露出狐狸尾巴 (lù chū hú li wěi ba) 'to show one's true colors'. The image comes from a traditional fable where a fox's tail betrays its disguise.
n.
(figurative) telltale signgiveawaysomething that reveals one's hidden intention or true nature
Examples
- ，狐狸尾巴。Tā zuǐ shàng shuō de hǎotīng, kě zuìhòu háishì lù chū le hú li wěi ba.He speaks nicely, but in the end he showed his true colors.
- ，狐狸尾巴。Piànzi zhuāng dé zài xiàng, zǒng huì yǒu hú li wěi ba lù chūlái.No matter how well a swindler pretends, there will always be a giveaway.
- ，狐狸尾巴。Zhège jìhuà kànsì wánměi, dàn zǐxì yí kàn jiù fāxiàn le hú li wěi ba.This plan seems perfect, but a closer look reveals a hidden flaw.
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