flying colours
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun (plural) 1. Complete and outstanding success; a triumphant victory or achievement. The phrase specifically denotes a level of success that is conspicuous, celebrated, and often exceeds expectations. It originates from naval tradition, where a ship returning victorious would fly all its flags ("colours") from the mastheads.
Usage
The phrase "with flying colours" is almost exclusively used as an adverbial phrase following verbs related to tests, challenges, or evaluations. It modifies the verb to describe the manner of success.
Examples
- She passed her final exams with flying colours. (She passed her exams with outstanding success.)
- The new product launched with flying colours, exceeding all sales forecasts. (The product launch was a complete and conspicuous success.)
- He came through the difficult audit with flying colours. (He successfully endured the audit, achieving an excellent result.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used with a wider range of verbs beyond "pass," such as , , , or , to emphasize a triumphant outcome.
- The team emerged from the competition with flying colours.
Variants and Related Words
- Flying colors (noun phrase): The standard spelling, particularly in American English.
- With flying colors (adverbial phrase): The complete and most common form of usage.
Synonyms
- Triumphantly
- With great success
- With distinction
- With honors
- Resoundingly
Antonyms
- Unsuccessfully
- Poorly
- With difficulty
- Barely
Idioms and Fixed Phrases
- To pass with flying colours: This is the most classic and frequent idiomatic construction. It means to succeed in a test or challenge with an excellent result.
- Despite his worries, he passed the driving test with flying colours.
Noun
- complete success
- they passed inspection with flying colors