With Flying Colors

A phrase used since the 17th century.

Meaning of Idiom ‘With Flying Colors’

With flying colors means with easy and outstanding success. To succeed at something extremely well.

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Examples Of Use

“I was worried about my medical exam but I passed with flying colors.”

“I hardly studied at all but I still passed the test with flying colors.”

“Bill came through the course with flying colors.”

Origin

The idiom ‘with flying colors’ originated with the practice of victorious ships flying flags, or ‘colors’ from their masthead to announce their victory as they sailed back into port.  To be flying the colors meant the ship had won. Related is the idiom “to show your true colors,” as sometimes ships would fly false colors in order to deceive the enemy.

More Idioms Starting with W

• Wash Your Hands of (Someone or Something)
• What’s the Damage?
• Work One’s Fingers To the Bone
• Out of Wedlock
• The Whole Kit and Caboodle

More Color(s) Idioms

• In The Pink
• Local Color
• White as a Ghost
• Lily White
• In the Black

More Nautical/Sailing Idioms

• Go Overboard
• On the Rocks
• The Bitter End, to (until)
• Tell That To The Marines!
• Taken Aback, to be
• Spick and Span
• Show Your True Colors, to
• Ships That Pass In The Night
• Flotsam and Jetsam