to pass with flying colors
10
3.2
- idiom
:
aprobar con creces
- After weeks of studying hard, she passed her exam with flying colors.
- passed the test with flying colors
- passed the exam with flying colors
- always pass with flying colors
So yeah, I, I passed with flying colours.
- So yeah, I, I passed with flying colours.
- So there's the selection that Nolan has passed with flying colours.
Examples
-
Minnesota faced their first challenge of the season in an up-and-coming Michigan State team, and passed with flying colors.
Blog text (19) -
It's just a test, which I think you've already passed with flying colors!
Blog text (28) -
That was a test-- which you passed with flying colors.
-
You just passed the course with flying colors.
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You passed the test with flying colors, my dear.
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You passed your first test with flying colors.
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And she passed the evaluation with flying colors!
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Fortunately, Emma Joy passed with flying colors.
Academic text (2015) -
So far, the theory has passed all tests with flying colors (Taylor and Hulse got a Nobel Prize for this work).
Academic text (1999) -
Lago Agrio No. 2 passed the test with flying colors, and the government of Ecuador did not challenge the results.
Blog text (18)
Synonyms
113
4.0
To do something very well, for example in a test or performance
44
3.9
To do very well at something, especially a test
5
3.7
To succeed very easily at a task or exam
5
3.6
To succeed at something quickly and easily
2
4.1
To finish something quickly and with little effort
Antonyms
How Successful
44
3.9
10
3.2
11
1.4
- UK
2
5.8
∞
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The verb 'pass' already conveys the core idea of succeeding, but the noun phrase 'with flying colors' is a cultural/metaphorical image (flags flown to signal victory) that intensifies success rather than composing a literal meaning from its parts. A B1 learner who knows the words might infer a positive or strong success, but the exact sense 'achieve easily and with high distinction' requires idiomatic knowledge, so it is only partially predictable.
Etymology
The phrase pass with flying colors may come from old ships that sailed back into port with their flying colors raised to show they had done well. That's why it means 'to succeed easily and well'.