成人快手

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Last updated at 09:57 BST, Thursday, 15 August 2013

With flying colours

A plane drops water to put out a fire

A plane drops water to put out a huge fire. Photo: Nick Ut/ AP Photo

Today's Phrase

If you do something - especially a test or exam - with flying colours, you do it easily and with great success.

Examples:

She passed her exams with flying colours!

With all that practice, John will pass his driving test with flying colours.

Take note

If something gets off to a flying start, it means it starts very well or very successfully.

Example:

Our trip got off to a flying start: the roads were empty, and we got to our destination early.

Interesting fact

The origin of the phrase 'with flying colours' relates to ships' flags. A long time ago, ships coming into port flew coloured flags, to show people how successful their voyage had been.

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