flying colours: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Slightly formal, but common in spoken and written language.
Quick answer
What does “flying colours” mean?
An idiom for achieving outstanding success.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An idiom for achieving outstanding success.
To achieve something with distinction or to overcome a challenge remarkably well. Literally refers to military flags ('colours') raised high after victory, indicating no losses.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'colours', US 'colors'. Otherwise, identical in meaning and usage.
Connotations
Identical in both variants. Connotes pride and resounding success.
Frequency
Equally common and idiomatic in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “flying colours” in a Sentence
VERB (pass/come through/sail) + with flying coloursVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying colours” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She came through the audit with flying colours.
- He hopes to pass the exam with flying colours.
American English
- She came through the inspection with flying colors.
- He aced the final with flying colors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"She passed the professional certification with flying colours."
Academic
"He defended his thesis with flying colours."
Everyday
"I was nervous about the driving test, but I passed with flying colours!"
Technical
Rare in highly technical contexts; used for exams or tests within a field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying colours”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying colours”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying colours”
- Using it as a standalone adjective (*'His result was flying colours').
- Using incorrect prepositions (*'He passed on flying colours').
- Omitting the final 's' (*'with flying colour').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Colours' is British spelling, 'colors' is American spelling.
It's typically used for significant successes, like exams, tests, or major challenges. Using it for trivial successes (e.g., 'I made toast with flying colours') sounds humorous or ironic.
It originates from naval warfare. A victorious warship would sail into port with its flags ('colours') flying high and intact, signalling it had not been defeated or captured.
Almost never. It is a fixed prepositional phrase used adverbially, almost exclusively following verbs like 'pass', 'come through', or 'succeed'.
An idiom for achieving outstanding success.
Flying colours is usually slightly formal, but common in spoken and written language. in register.
Flying colours: 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
- “come through with flying colours”
- “pass with flying colours”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a victorious ship (or a knight) sailing/passing by with its bright flags (colours) flying proudly in the wind.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS A VICTORIOUS MILITARY DISPLAY (with flags flying high).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'with flying colours' mean?