A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

show of hands • show one’s hand
show of hands —a method of voting in which people raise
their hands: The chairman of the meeting called for a show
of hands on the proposed measure.
show one’s hand —reveal one’s true and previously hidden
plans, intentions, etc.: It was only after Hitler became Chan-
cellor that he really showed his hand.
show one’s cards • show one’s colors
show one’s cards —reveal one’s plans or intentions: The Prime
Minister had not shown his cards so far as to who would be
given the brief to hold the discussions.
short change
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show one’s colors —show what one is really like; show one’s
true self: His most recent incarnation as an opponent of immi-
gration has perhaps shown his colors in their truest light.
show someone the door • show someone to the
door
show someone the door —ask a person to leave; dismiss smb.
without ceremony: Exasperated by the man’s insolence, Ted
finally showed him the door.
show someone to the door —escort a person to the door as a
parting gesture: The Reverend Thomas took his leave and
apologized…. She told him not to worry as she showed him
to the door.
show the white feather • show the white flag
show the white feather —display cowardice: He said that Mr.
Bathurst left the army because he showed the white feather.
It is not true, is it?
show the white flag —(also: hang out the white flag ) admit
defeat; surrender: These comments have been submitted in a
letter to the editor. Will the author resolutely defend his posi-
tion, or show the white flag?
shut one’s eyes • shut your eyes and think of
 England
shut one’s eyes —(also: close one’s eyes) pretend that one has
no knowledge of smth.; ignore smth.: He preferred to shut
his eyes on the matter rather than to fight for his point of
view.