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sail through

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To do something difficult without any problems, as if it was easy.

Literal meaning: A boat sailing smoothly through water — the smoothness transfers to the figurative meaning.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To pass a test, exam, or interview easily and without difficulty.

"She had studied so hard that she sailed through her driving test on the first attempt."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To progress through a process or competition effortlessly, without obstacles.

"The team sailed through the early rounds of the tournament and reached the final."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To move or pass through a place or situation smoothly and without stopping.

"He sailed through the security checkpoint without being stopped."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Widely used in British and American English. Commonly collocates with exams, interviews, and stages of a process. Almost always implies a positive, smooth outcome.

Commonly used with

exam interview test inspection round stage

Forms

Base
sail through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sails through
he/she/it
Past simple
sailed through
yesterday
Past participle
sailed through
have + pp
-ing form
sailing through
continuous

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