Phrase: "Pass with flying colors"
Meaning: To "pass with flying colors" means to succeed or do very well on something, especially an exam or test. It suggests that the person not only passed but did so with great success.
Usage Instructions: This phrase is commonly used when talking about academic achievements, but it can also apply to any situation where someone succeeds impressively. You can use it in both spoken and written English.
Example: - "After studying hard for weeks, Maria took her math exam and passed with flying colors." - "The team worked well together, and they passed the project review with flying colors."
Advanced Usage: You can also use this phrase in a more figurative sense. For example, "The new policy was implemented, and the company passed the audit with flying colors," meaning the company did very well in the audit.
Word Variants: - There are no direct variants of this specific phrase, but similar phrases convey the same meaning, such as "succeed brilliantly" or "ace something."
Different Meanings: The phrase itself is quite specific to success. However, "flying colors" can be used in other contexts, often referring to flags or banners that are displayed proudly.
Synonyms: - Succeed with ease - Ace (an exam/test) - Nail it - Breeze through
Idioms: - "Sail through" is a similar idiom that means to succeed easily. For example, "She sailed through her final exams."
Phrasal Verbs: There aren’t specific phrasal verbs that directly correspond to "pass with flying colors," but you might use "get through" in a similar context.