flying colors
Americanplural noun
idioms
Etymology
Origin of flying colors
First recorded in 1600–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The week was punctuated by tests, all of which the ship passed with flying colors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 23, 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
For my part, I passed with flying colors the screens for gestational diabetes and hypertension.
From Slate • Nov. 26, 2023
This is a tricky set of challenges, and Ganis comes through with flying colors.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2023
“My Datsun”—Mum offered some braised celery to Aunt Alice, who made a No thanks gesture—“passed its MOT with flying colors last week.”
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
