To Pass with Flying Colours (Origin)

by Craig Shrives

What Is the Origin of the Saying "To Pass with Flying Colours"?

To pass with flying colours means to pass with distinction. This term has a nautical history. It derives from when ships would return home with their "colours" (another word for flags) flying to show they had been victorious.

Table of Contents

  • English Proverbs and Idioms Test
  • More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms
To Pass with Flying Colours (Origin)

Examples of Use:

  • Study hard, and you'll pass with flying colours.
  • Dana passed her English exam with flying colours!
  • I passed with flying colours. I was so nervous about that exam!

Previous and Next Sayings

English Proverbs and Idioms Test

More Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms

Help Us Improve Grammar Monster

  • Do you disagree with something on this page?
  • Did you spot a typo?

Find Us Quicker!

  • When using a search engine (e.g., Google, Bing), you will find Grammar Monster quicker if you add #gm to your search term.