where did the term "with flying colors" come from...as in "he passed the test with flying colors"

Answer 1

The meaning is:To exceed expectations, to do better than expected.

An example of this phrase is: The California smog test is tough, but my car passed with flying colors.

OK.. the origin.. Well, Color(s) has numerous meanings. An early use of the word is flag, pennant, or badge.
"Passed with flying colors" comes from sailing ships that, when passing other ships at sea, would fly their colors (flags) if they wanted to be identified.

Another possible origin or jointly with the above is that that phrase is a metaphor drawn from parades, which do not merely pass, but rather do so with flags raised, "with flying colors."

Answer 2

Pass With Flying Colors Origin

Answer 3

Passed with flying colors

Meaning: To exceed expectations, to do better than expected.
Example: The California smog test is tough, but my car passed with flying colors.
Origin: Color(s) has numerous meanings. An early use of the word is flag, pennant, or badge.
"Passed with flying colors" comes from sailing ships that, when passing other ships at sea, would fly their colors (flags) if they wanted to be identified.

Alternatively,

A metaphor drawn from parades, which do not merely pass, but rather do so with flags raised, "with flying colors."

Thanks to Dennis Reed Jr.

See the related phrase "show your true colors

Answer 4

FLYING COLORS, WITH - " 'We came off with flying colours.' George Farquar, 'The Beaux's Stratagem (1706). Victorious; extremely successful. The term comes from the practice of a victorious fleet sailing into port with flags flying from all the mastheads. By 1700 or so it was being used figuratively, signifying any kind of triumph." From "Fighting Words: From War, Rebellion, and other Combative Capers" by Christine Ammer (NTC Publishing Group, Chicago, Ill., 1989, 1999).

Answer 5

Flying Colors
To come off with flying colors is to achieve great success. It is a military metaphor for leaving the battlefield still in possession of one's flag. The phrase dates to the 17th century. From John Locke's 1692 A Letter Concerning Toleration:

It may . . . bring a Man off with flying Colours.
And from George Farquhar's 1706-07 A Beaux Stratagem:

We came off with flying colours.
Some claim a nautical origin for this phrase, but it appears to have got its start among armies, not navies.

Answer 6

Joel R has a sturdy factor yet while it quite bothers you basically supply em the solid 'ole unoriginal "ur mom". Say it lots and that they are going to in all risk be too aggravated to insult you returned. Or they could flow alongside with it? Mm.

Answer 7

During the days of knights (the Renaissance), knights would joust on their horses carrying something like a scarf of the queen or somebody important-- so the colors were flying during this event.

Answer 8

great question! i have at home a book of idioms-great thing to have for times like this! I don't know the answer but maybe there's a website for idioms as well.

Answer 9

I believe it means "with his flag held high"--symbolic of pride.