MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Where did the phrase “to pass with flying colors” come from?

A plus (A+) grade written in red pen on notebook paper.

MUNDANE MYSTERIES: Where did the phrase “to pass with flying colors” come from?

The school year is starting up which means report cards and exam grades are also coming soon.

The phrase “pass with flying colors” gets thrown around a lot this time of year. But where did it come from?

The phrase itself means “to be extremely successful, to achieve something that is difficult, to excel”

It was first used way back when battle ships would return home with their “colors” (another word for flags) flying high to show they won and were coming back home safe with a victory.

Good luck on all those tests, kids. Hope you pass them all with flying colors.

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