with flying colors

USAGE SUMMARY

"with flying colors" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
It generally means that something has achieved success or won in a particularly impressive way. For example, "The student passed his exam with flying colors!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It passed with flying colors.

The New York Times - Books

Both passed with flying colors.

The Guardian - Sport

She passed with flying colors.

The New York Times

"It came through with flying colors".

The New York Times

"And I passed with flying colors".

The New Yorker

Korff said it passed with flying colors.

The New York Times - Sports

Will it pass with flying colors?

The New York Times

MINNESOTA VIKINGS A new stadium referendum passes with flying colors.

The New York Times

JPMorgan Chase came through the financial crisis with flying colors.

The New York Times

The reinsurers passed these tests, with flying colors.

The New York Times

"They would pass the sobriety test with flying colors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with flying colors" to describe achievements that are not only successful but also notably impressive or exceptional. It adds flair and emphasizes the magnitude of the accomplishment.

Common error

Do not use "with flying colors" when referring to actual colors or flags. This idiom is strictly for metaphorical success. Using it literally will confuse your audience and undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with flying colors" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It describes how something was done, specifically emphasizing the exceptional manner of success. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is considered correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

HuffPost

7%

Forbes

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "with flying colors" is a very common and accepted way to describe exceptional success. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it conveys a sense of impressive achievement. When writing, remember that it applies metaphorically, not literally to colors or flags. Consider alternatives like "with distinction" or "outstandingly well" to fine-tune the specific nuance. Ludwig provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its versatility and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with distinction

Emphasizes the quality and honor of the achievement, focusing on the merit of the accomplishment.

outstandingly well

Highlights the superior quality of the performance or result.

exceptionally well

Focuses on the achievement exceeding expectations.

remarkably well

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the success.

triumphantly

Highlights the feeling of victory and celebration associated with the success.

successfully and impressively

Expands on the success by adding the element of impressiveness.

with great success

A more general phrase emphasizing the positive outcome, but lacks the vividness of the original.

to great acclaim

Focuses on the public recognition and praise received for the achievement.

splendidly

Highlights the magnificence and impressiveness of the success.

in a spectacular fashion

Focuses on the visual and impressive manner of the success.

FAQs

What does it mean to pass "with flying colors"?

Passing "with flying colors" means to succeed at something easily and impressively. It suggests a high level of achievement and competence.

How can I use "with flying colors" in a sentence?

You can use "with flying colors" to describe someone's success in a test, project, or any challenging situation. For example, "She passed her driving test "with flying colors"".

What are some alternatives to saying "with flying colors"?

Alternatives include "with distinction", "outstandingly well", or "exceptionally well", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "with flying colours" instead of "with flying colors"?

Yes, "with flying colours" is an acceptable variant, primarily used in British English. Both versions are grammatically correct and idiomatic, but "with flying colors" is more common in American English.