Sage-Tips

Where did the expression flying colors come from?

The phrase originated in the Age of Discovery, when ships would return to port with their flags (“colours”) either raised or lowered to signify that the ship had either been successful or defeated, with raised flags indicating success and lowered flags indicating defeat.

What does the saying flying colors mean?

complete success
: complete success passed his exams with flying colors.

What’s another way to say with flying colors?

Alternate Synonyms for “pass with flying colors”: breeze through; ace; sweep through; sail through; nail; pass; make it.

How do you beat flying colors?

Follow these steps to pass your midterms and finals, like I did, with flying colors!

1. Review the learning objectives of the course.
2. Review terminology.
3. Review past assignments and apply your instructor’s feedback.
4. Read your notes and highlights.
5. Reread chapters.
6. Study flashcards on Quizlet.

Where does the expression going to see a man about a dog come from?

Historical usage. The earliest confirmed publication is the 1866 Dion Boucicault play Flying Scud in which a character knowingly breezes past a difficult situation saying, “Excuse me Mr. Quail, I can’t stop; I’ve got to see a man about a dog.” Time magazine observed that the phrase was the play’s “claim to fame”.

What is the meaning of the apple of his eyes?

Meaning: Someone whom you cherish above all others. Example: My youngest daughter, Cherie is the apple of my eye.

What is the idiomatic expression of highly spirited?

high-spirited adjective (PERSON) A high-spirited person is energetic and happy and likes doing exciting and enjoyable things. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Feeling pleasure and happiness. (as) pleased as Punch idiom.

What is the meaning of sail through?

Definition of sail through : to move or proceed through in an easy, quick, and smooth way The ball sailed through the open window. The bill sailed through the legislature with only token opposition.

What does it mean when you say see a man about a horse?

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. To see a man about a dog or horse is a British English idiom, usually used as a way to apologise for one’s imminent departure or absence, generally to euphemistically conceal one’s true purpose, such as going to use the bathroom or going to buy a drink.

What is the meaning of all ears?

Eager to hear something, listening attentively, as in Tell me who else was invited? I’m all ears. [Colloquial; late 1700s] Also see all eyes.

What is the meaning of the idiom with flying colors?

The idiom ‘with flying colors’ originated with the practice of victorious ships flying flags, or ‘colors’ from their masthead to announce their victory as they sailed back into port. To be flying the colors meant the ship had won. Related is the idiom “ to show your true colors ,” as sometimes ships would fly false colors in order

What does it mean to pass the test with flying colors?

“I hardly studied at all but I still passed the test with flying colors.” “Bill came through the course with flying colors.” The idiom ‘with flying colors’ originated with the practice of victorious ships flying flags, or ‘colors’ from their masthead to announce their victory as they sailed back into port.

What does it mean when a regiment flies its colours?

Formerly, in military contexts, flying colours meant having the regimental flying as a sign of success or victory; a conquered army usually had to lower (or strike ) its colours .

What does it mean to fly your flag with distinction?

with distinction. Formerly, in military contexts, flying colours meant having the regimental flag flying as a sign of success or victory; a conquered army usually had to lower (or strike ) its colours .