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

But happily, by following these simple guidelines, you are sure to get through with flying colors.

From The Daily Beast

And now you put your cavalier sense of entitlement to the test, passing with flying colors.

From The Daily Beast

Nomi passes the test with flying colors at first, but upon closer scrutiny, she stumbles.

From The Daily Beast

Forty years ago people passed the test of the Santa Barbara oil spill with flying colors.

From The Daily Beast

There's some vile plot laid against Howard, but if he doesn't come clean out of it with flying colors, call me a simpleton.

From Project Gutenberg

John admitted that he could carry off the affair with flying colors.

From Project Gutenberg

His father had expected to see him go through college and graduate with flying colors.

From Project Gutenberg

Lundie will be eternally grateful to the man who shall help this little enterprise to come off with flying colors.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a fine mess, but well soon be out of it with flying colors.

From Project Gutenberg