English Idiom: With flying colours
If a person passes an exam with high marks, then they pass with flying colours.
The marks don’t have to be the highest in the class, but they do have to be exceptionally good.
Now, some people are content with only passing an exam. They are not aiming for high marks, they only seek to pass.
In my opinion, that’s not good enough.
In North America, we tell our young people to aim high and to be the best they can be. There’s no shame in not finishing first as long as you give your all and do your personal best.
That’s right, In my book successfully completing something such as an exam, quiz or even TOEIC is still doing it with flying colours.
The next time you are going to challenge yourself don’t just aim for a simple pass, aim to attain your highest achievement; aim to pass with flying colours.