Pass with Flying Colors: Definition and Examples

Meaning 1：succeed brilliantly (Pass with Flying Colors)

Pass with Flying Colors 🔊

/pæs wɪð ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈkʌlərz/

phr.

To pass a test or exam with a very high score or excellent result.

Pass with flying colors student celebrating A+ grade

succeed brilliantly 🔊

➕

/səkˈsiːd ˈbrɪliəntli/

phr.

To achieve a test or challenge with outstanding results, far above the minimum requirement.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Idiom from nautical history: 'colors' means a ship's flags, flown after a victorious battle to signal success.

💡 Mnemonic

Visualize a student holding an A+ paper while colorful flags wave behind them — 'flying colors' mean top performance.

📖 Example

After months of hard work, she passed the final exam with flying colors and was top of her class. 🔊 After months of hard work, she passed the final exam with excellent results and was top of her class.

🔗 Collocations

pass a test with flying colors – achieve a very high score on a test

come through with flying colors – succeed in a difficult situation

emerge with flying colors – finish a task or challenge with notable success

🔄 Synonyms

ace (v.) – To achieve the highest possible score on a test or task.

excel (v.) – To perform exceptionally well, beyond expectations.

triumph (v.) – To achieve a great victory or success.

🚫 Antonyms

fail (v.) – To be unsuccessful in meeting a required standard.

flunk (v.) – To fail a test or course, especially in an academic setting.

🌱 Derivatives

flying colors (n.) – The state of having succeeded very well; used in phrases like 'with flying colors'.

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in 17th-century naval warfare. A ship returning with its flags (colors) still flying had won a battle. The phrase extended to any clear triumph, especially exams.