Phrasal verb
sail through
Definition
phrasal verb. to succeed in something very easily, like an exam or a test, without having any problems. You use this when a task that seems difficult for others is simple for you.
phrasal verb. to succeed in a task, examination, or process with minimal effort or difficulty. The verb is typically used with a direct object representing the challenge.
Examples
“She managed to sail through her driving test on the first try.”
“Even though the exam was famous for being difficult, Mark sailed through it because he had prepared for months.”
“The proposed legislation sailed through the committee stage with surprisingly little opposition from the minority party.”
Examples
simple
“She managed to sail through her driving test on the first try.”
contextual
“Even though the exam was famous for being difficult, Mark sailed through it because he had prepared for months.”
complex
“The proposed legislation sailed through the committee stage with surprisingly little opposition from the minority party.”
Usage
Commonly used with nouns like 'exam', 'test', 'interview', or 'process'.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'struggle through' to highlight the ease of the action; it uses the metaphor of a ship moving smoothly over water.
Pitfall
He sailed through of the exam.
He sailed through the exam.
The phrasal verb 'sail through' takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'of'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
through
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
sail + through + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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