with flying colors
with FLY-ing KULL-erz
/wɪð ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈkʌlərz/
To complete a task or pass an examination with great success or distinction.
Implies not just passing, but doing so with excellence and flair.
The story behind the word. In the days of sailing warships, 'colors' referred to the ship's flags. A victorious ship would return to port with its flags (colors) still flying high from the mast, rather than lowered in surrender.
Word relationships
- triumphantly: Triumphantly is a single adverb, whereas 'with flying colors' is more descriptive and idiomatic.
- fail miserably: Fail miserably implies a total lack of success, the opposite of high distinction.
Commonly confused with
- sails through: 'Sails through' emphasizes ease, while 'with flying colors' emphasizes the high quality of the result.
Collocations
- pass with flying colors
- emerge with flying colors
- succeed with flying colors
Example sentences
- "She passed her bar exam with flying colors, scoring in the top percentile." Academic achievement
- "The candidate emerged from the rigorous interview process with flying colors." Historical context
Memory hook
Imagine a ship coming into a harbor with bright, colorful flags waving proudly in the wind. Flags flying high = Victory.
When not to use
Avoid in extremely formal legal or scientific reports where literal language is required.
Fun facts
- The term 'colors' is still used in the military to refer to the national flag.
Related words
Explore more words
elated, consummate, auspicious, resplendent, exuberant, vibrant
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.