Proverb / Kotowaza
化けの皮が剥がれる
One's true nature or secret identity is revealed.
the monster's skin peels off
Quick Answer
One's true nature or secret identity is revealed.
- Literal Image
- the monster's skin peels off
- How to Use It
- Used when a person's pretense is stripped away and their actual personality or intentions become apparent.
Meaning
The true character or hidden identity of a person is exposed after being concealed. It can be used when someone who was pretending to be something they are not—such as being falsely kind or virtuous—is finally caught or shows their real, negative, self.
Literal Image
the monster's skin peels off
How to Use It
Used when a person's pretense is stripped away and their actual personality or intentions become apparent.
Tone
Carries a critical or negative nuance regarding the person being exposed.
Examples
親切なふりをしていたが、ついに化けの皮が剥がれた。
He was pretending to be kind, but finally his true colors were revealed.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses standard grammar and basic kanji, but the vocabulary 'bake no kawa' and the verb 'hagareru' are idiomatic.
化けの皮
ばけのかわ / bake no kawa
disguise; mask (literally 'monster skin')
剥がれる
はがれる / hagareru
to peel off; to be stripped away
Usage Profile
Usage note: This can be used when revealing a negative true nature, not for positive surprises.
Misread Risk
Do not use this for a positive revelation; it implies that the 'true self' being revealed is undesirable.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression originates from ghost stories where a monster (bakemono) disguised as a human has its false skin peel off, revealing its true monstrous form.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.