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sail through

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sail (right) through something

 

1. Lit. to travel through something in a boat or ship. The line of boats sailed right through the Grenadines in the daylight hours. We sailed through the narrows without a pilot.

2. Fig. to go through something very quickly and easily. The kids just sailed right through the ice cream and cake. There was not a bit left. You have sailed through your allowance already.

3. Fig. to get through a procedure, evaluation, or vote quickly and easily. The proposal sailed through the committee with no debate. I hope that this matter sails through quickly.

See also: sail

sail through something

1. to go quickly and smoothly through something In the early evening light, we watched bats sail through the air, scooping up insects.

2. to easily succeed in something The new voting machines sailed through their first election day test last Tuesday.

Etymology: based on the idea of a boat sailing smoothly on the water

See also: sail

sail through

Also, sail right through. Accomplish quickly and easily, make easy progress through, as in He sailed through the written test in no time, or We sailed right through customs. This expression alludes to a boat moving quickly and easily through the water. [Mid-1900s]

See also: sail

sail through

v.

1. To pass through something quickly and without pausing or lingering: The car sailed through the red light.

2. To make progress with something quickly and easily: Because I had studied for so long, I was able to sail through the exam.

See also: sail