flying colors

American  

plural noun

1. flags or ensigns flown on a ship.

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idioms

1. with flying colors, with an overwhelming victory, triumph, or success.

   He passed the test with flying colors.

Etymology

Origin of flying colors

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

flying colors

JPMorgan and Bank of America passed the tests with flying colors after the Federal Reserve last year began releasing details of the tests in advance.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 24, 2026

But crises like this are tests of leadership, and CEO George Kurtz passed with flying colors.

From Barron's ● Jun. 19, 2026

When it came to the "One Hand Clapping" sessions, McCartney wanted to test Wings’ roadworthiness, an exam that the post-Beatles outfit passed with flying colors.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2025

And while TOTO’s Drake model passed with flying colors, flushing 900 grams—nearly 2 pounds of fake poo—other companies’ models flushed less than 150 grams.

From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2025

Heylmun and Civille can pass the triangle test with flying colors, because their knowledge gives their first impressions resiliency.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell