Proverb / Kotowaza
馬脚を露わす
To reveal one's hidden true nature or actual level of skill due to a slip-up.
To show the horse's legs
Quick Answer
To reveal one's hidden true nature or actual level of skill due to a slip-up.
- Literal Image
- To show the horse's legs
- How to Use It
- Used when someone who has been pretending to be more knowledgeable, skilled, or virtuous than they really are makes a mistake that reveals the truth.
Meaning
To have one's true character, motives, or lack of ability exposed by accident or under pressure. It describes a situation where a pretense or deception is uncovered, revealing the reality that was being hidden behind a false appearance.
Literal Image
To show the horse's legs
How to Use It
Used when someone who has been pretending to be more knowledgeable, skilled, or virtuous than they really are makes a mistake that reveals the truth.
Tone
This expression carries a critical nuance, as it implies the exposure of a negative trait or a deception.
Examples
知ったかぶりをしていたが、鋭い質問をされて馬脚を露わした。
They were pretending to know everything, but they revealed their true self when asked a sharp question.
化けの皮が剥がれ、ついに馬脚を露わす。
The mask came off, and they finally revealed their true nature.
嘘をつき通すことはできず、結局馬脚を露わした。
They couldn't keep up the lie and ended up exposing the truth.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The kanji for 'bakyaku' (horse legs) and 'arawasu' (reveal) are not beginner-level, and the idiom requires understanding the underlying metaphor.
馬脚
ばきゃく / bakyaku
horse's legs
露わす
あらわす / arawasu
to reveal or expose
Usage Profile
Usage note: Because it implies that someone was being deceptive or is incompetent, use it with care when speaking about others.
Misread Risk
Do not use this to describe someone showing off their skills; it is specifically for when a hidden (negative) reality is accidentally exposed.
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Origin
This expression originates from traditional theater, where an actor playing the legs of a horse accidentally showed their true form or made a mistake that broke the illusion during a performance.
Index
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Topics
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Source Note
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