with flying colors

with flying colors

Exceptionally well or very successfully. Said especially of one's performance in a test, examination, competition, or training of some kind. Samantha was rather nervous taking her final exam, but she passed with flying colors! Your brother passed his apprenticeship with flying colors. He'll be a master builder in no time!

See also: color, flying

with flying colors

Cliché easily and excellently. John passed his geometry test with flying colors. Sally qualified for the race with flying colors.

See also: color, flying

with flying colours

COMMON If you achieve something, such as passing an examination, with flying colours, you achieve it easily and are very successful. Note: A ship's colours are its national flag. She passed the entrance exam with flying colors. Note: The image here is of a victorious battleship sailing back into port with its national flag flying.

See also: colour, flying

with flying colours

with distinction.

Formerly, in military contexts, flying colours meant having the regimental flag flying as a sign of success or victory; a conquered army usually had to lower (or strike ) its colours .

See also: colour, flying

with ˌflying ˈcolours

(British English) (American English with ˌflying ˈcolors) with great success: We expect your son to pass the exam with flying colours. ♢ She came through her French test with flying colours.In the past, if a ship or an army lost a battle it had to take down its colours (= the national flag). The ship or army that won a victory continued to show its flag.

See also: colour, flying

with flying colors

mod. flamboyantly; boldly. Paul came home with flying colors after the match.

See also: color, flying

with flying colors

With complete or outstanding success: passed the exam with flying colors.

See also: color, flying