expression, ichidan verb
be identified; have one's face known
Used when someone's face or identity becomes known, often in contexts like police investigations, undercover work, or when a previously anonymous person is recognized.
防犯カメラの映像で、犯人の面が割れた。
The suspect was identified from the security camera footage.
彼は覆面をして
He was wearing a mask, but his voice gave him away.