メッキが剥はげる

expression, ichidan verb

to reveal one's true colors; the mask slips

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'the plating comes off'. Used when someone's pretense or facade breaks down, revealing their real nature or intentions.

• 彼かれは優やさしそうに見みえたが、すぐにメッキが剥はげて、実じつは短たん気きな性せい格かくだとわかった。

  He seemed kind at first, but his true colors soon showed, and I realized he actually has a short temper.

• あの政せい治じ家かも、スキャンダルでメッキが剥はげたね。

  That politician's mask slipped because of the scandal, didn't it.