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pass with flying colors

/pæs wɪð ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈkʌlɚz/
phrase★Intermediate◆idiom
◆ What It Really Means
To achieve outstanding success in a task or challenge.
¶ Literal Meaning
To pass while flying colorful flags or banners.
Literal Breakdown
passto move through or complete+withaccompanied by+flyingmoving through the air+colorsflags or banners
◇ Mental Image
The mental image of a ship flying colorful flags to signal victory or success, symbolizing outstanding achievement.
◈ When to Use
A student who scores the highest marks in an exam might be said to have passed with flying colors.
◉ Cultural Note
The phrase has historical roots in naval traditions where ships would fly colorful flags to indicate success or victory. Over time, it has been adopted into everyday language to describe any form of outstanding achievement.
informal

To succeed or perform exceptionally well in a test, exam, or challenge.

The team passed the project review with flying colors.

The team performed exceptionally well during the project review.

He passed his driving test with flying colors.

He did very well on his driving test.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to describe outstanding success in academic, professional, or personal challenges.

Collocations

pass an examto complete and succeed in an exampass a testto complete and succeed in a testpass a challengeto complete and succeed in a challenge

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

ace somethingidiom
to do something very well
succeed with flying colorsidiom
to achieve great success
pass with distinctionphrase
to pass an exam or test with high marks

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this idiom when describing someone's outstanding performance in a test, exam, or challenge.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While this idiom is common, avoid using it too frequently in formal writing or speeches.

📖Word Origin

The phrase originates from naval traditions where ships would fly colorful flags to signal success or victory. The 'flying colors' metaphorically represent outstanding achievement.

📝Usage Notes

This idiom is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe significant success. It is common in academic, professional, and personal achievement discussions.

Word Breakdown

pass
to succeed or complete
root
+
with
accompanied by
preposition
+
flying
moving through the air
adjective
+
colors
flags or banners
noun
English Dictionary

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