<P> "With flying colours" is a popular idiom of the English language . The phrase's origins relate to ship flags . </P> <P> Ships serve scientific and cultural needs, as well as the transportation of goods, and resolving political and national conflict . In the past, without the use of modern communication devices, a ship's appearance upon the immediate return to the port could communicate how the crew fared at sea . Ships that were victorious in their endeavours, for example, an encounter with an enemy ship, would sail into port with flags flying from the mastheads . On the other hand, a ship that had been defeated, if still afloat, would be forced to "strike her colours", or to take them down, signifying her defeat . Although the time period is estimated roughly into the Age of Discovery, prior to the 18th century these phrases were used solely as nautical terms, and afterward they began to be used in the vernacular figuratively to signify any kind of triumph . Also, another phrase, "go down with flying colours" or "go down with colours flying" was used to express a commitment; in other words, a resolute crew fighting, even until their ship sinks . A variant of this phrase gives virtually the same meaning, "Nail your colours to the mast". If the colours, or the flag is nailed onto the mast, it cannot be lowered . There is effectively no way to express submission . </P>

What is the meaning of passed with flying colours