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.
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
Ten years after immigrating, my parents passed their naturalization tests with flying colors.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2024
For my part, I passed with flying colors the screens for gestational diabetes and hypertension.
From Slate • Nov. 26, 2023
In the days that followed, the Putnam proved herself with flying colors.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
