T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

with flying colours

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) with a lot of height

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) with great speed

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) with great success

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

If someone passes something with flying colours, they have completed something, normally an exam or test with great success, or a task easily and with excellence.

French translation

réussir sans problème, avec brio, haut la main

How NOT to translate : *avec couleurs volantes

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Examples in context

‘Simon Grayson : Preston’s FA Cup replay exit ’daylight robbery’.

The Lilywhites, fourth in League One, are now hoping to win promotion to the second tier in their first full season under former Leeds and Huddersfield boss Grayson.
"We’ve got 18 league games to go to try and get to where we want to get to," he added. "Nothing’s finished at this part of the season. We’ve got everything to play for.
"The cup run has been a nice bonus for us. When you get up against these teams, you want to test yourselves and we’ve come out with flying colours."

BBC News, 6th Feb. 2014

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‘Under Challenging Conditions, Shiffrin Wins Second Slalom

If this were a trial run for the Sochi Olympics, Mikaela Shiffrin passed with flying colors.
Shiffrin fought through soft snow, rain and deep ruts — exactly the type of conditions she could face next month in Sochi, Russia — to win her second World Cup slalom of the season Sunday in Bormio, Italy.
“It’s always a big confidence booster to have good skiing in different conditions,” Shiffrin said. Located near the Black Sea, the Alpine resort of Rosa Khutor that will host the skiing races at the Olympics is known for varying weather conditions.’

New York Times, 5th Jan. 2014

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Everyday usage

I am so pleased for my boss. She passed her theory test with flying colours !

Much to their relief, most of the class passed the exam with flying colors.


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