flying colors

American  

plural noun

1. flags or ensigns flown on a ship.

---

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

And this time around, recent form suggests the Americans should pass the test with flying colors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

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

To this point, though, he has passed each of his initial MLB tests with flying colors.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2023

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

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell