flying colors: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to semi-formal, idiomatic.
Quick answer
What does “flying colors” mean?
A phrase used to describe a great or complete success.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A phrase used to describe a great or complete success.
Refers specifically to succeeding in something—often a test, exam, challenge, or difficult situation—with exceptional distinction, praise, and without any problems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'colours', US 'colors'. Usage is identical in meaning and application. The phrase is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Positive, celebratory, suggests overcoming a challenge with ease and excellence.
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, often used in news, reports, and conversation about exams, trials, or auditions.
Grammar
How to Use “flying colors” in a Sentence
[Subject] + pass/come through + (test/exam/challenge) + with flying colorsVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe a successful project launch, audit, or presentation: 'The team came through the compliance audit with flying colors.'
Academic
Common in reference to exams, theses, or viva voce defences: 'She defended her dissertation with flying colors.'
Everyday
Used for driving tests, medical check-ups, school exams: 'My son passed his piano exam with flying colors!'
Technical
Rare; might be used metaphorically in engineering or software testing: 'The prototype passed the stress tests with flying colors.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying colors”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying colors”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying colors”
- Using it without 'with' (e.g., 'He passed flying colors' is wrong). Using it as an adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a flying colors result' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a fixed complement of these verbs. It is not used independently.
No, the standard fixed phrase is always plural: 'with flying colors/colours.'
It originates from naval warfare. A victorious ship would sail into port with its flags ('colors') flying high to show it had not been captured or defeated.
It is typically used for significant, formal, or challenging successes (exams, major tests, audits). Using it for trivial things ('passed the grocery shopping with flying colors') sounds humorous or ironic.
A phrase used to describe a great or complete success.
Flying colors is usually informal to semi-formal, idiomatic. in register.
Flying colors: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈkʌl.əz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈkʌl.ɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass with flying colors”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a victorious ship sailing into port with its colorful flags ('colors') flying high after a battle—this is the origin. Success = flags flying high.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A VICTORIOUS MILITARY DISPLAY (from naval tradition of flying flags after a victory).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'pass with flying colors' mean?