Meaning of unmask one's batteries | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To begin a decisive action, especially one that reveals one’s true strength or character.
   dated, idiomatic
2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see unmask, battery.

Examples

““Your father is fond of surprises, as you must have seen,” Cuthbert rejoined. “He won’t unmask his batteries till all is ready for action.””

“The bishops, proud of this first victory, believed that a second would be easily won, and they unmasked their batteries.”

“The Evénément^([sic]) remarks:—“The Egyptian Question is not a French or an Anglo-French, but a European question, and the spoliation just perpetrated by England, has enlightened Europe in time. It is not wise to unmask one’s batteries too soon.””

“Meanwhile the Germans had shown that they themselves were not yet ready to unmask their batteries.”

CEFR level