# sail through

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sail-through
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He sailed through of the exam." but "He sailed through the exam." — The phrasal verb 'sail through' takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'of'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.