Phrase guide

flying colours

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Great success.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, phrase, plural, plural-only, usually

Examples

  • I just barely passed the exam. No flying colours.
  • She sailed through the job interview with flying colours.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

complete success

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • they passed inspection with flying colors

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: flying colors

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: success

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.