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You are here: Home / Language / What Does the Saying “Passed With Flying Colors” Mean and Where Did the Expression Come From?

What Does the Saying “Passed With Flying Colors” Mean and Where Did the Expression Come From?

July 7, 2020 by Karen Hill

Since the eighteenth century, ships of the navy have used flags to communicate their status or well-being.

The most prominent flag, of course, is that of the ship’s country, but there are dozens of other banners, which are called “colors.”

The most elaborate use of this bunting is after a victory at sea, when a triumphant ship returns to its home port with a proud and full display of flying colors.

We say that someone who has overcome an obstacle with ease has passed with “flying colors”.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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