flying colors

plural noun

1. flags or ensigns flown on a ship.

Word History and Origins

Origin of flying colors¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   He passed the test with flying colors.

Example Sentences

Trailing at halftime for the first time all season, Palisades faced its toughest test so far and passed with flying colors to stay unbeaten Friday night in San Pedro.

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For the Palisades boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams, they’ve made it through with flying colors.

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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.

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Williams told “Good Day New York” anchor and friend Scotto that she passed her tests “with flying colors.”

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In those conversations, she and caregiver Ginalisa Monterroso raised concerns about the guardian’s alleged control over Williams and touted the results of Williams’ competency tests: She passed with “flying colors.”

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