Ever wondered how many expressions use the word “fly”? In English, we have many idioms that include this little word, and they can make our conversations more colorful and interesting. Let’s explore some of these fly idioms together!
Fly Idioms
Here are 20 fly idioms in English.
1. As the crow flies
Meaning: The shortest way between two points.
Example: It’s 10 miles as the crow flies.
2. Fly off the handle
Meaning: To suddenly become very angry.
Example: He flew off the handle yesterday.
3. Fly on the wall
Meaning: An unnoticed observer.
Example: I wish I was a fly on the wall.
4. Fly by the seat of one’s pants
Meaning: Do something by instinct.
Example: I flew by the seat of my pants.
5. Time flies
Meaning: Time passes very quickly.
Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.
6. On the fly
Meaning: Something done quickly.
Example: I fixed it on the fly.
7. Let fly
Meaning: To suddenly express anger.
Example: She let fly at the meeting.
8. Fly high
Meaning: To be very successful.
Example: His new company is flying high.
9. Fly in the face of
Meaning: To go against.
Example: This flies in the face of tradition.
10. When pigs fly
Meaning: Never going to happen.
Example: I’ll clean my room when pigs fly!
11. Make the feathers fly
Meaning: Cause a lot of trouble.
Example: That comment made the feathers fly.
12. Fly the coop
Meaning: To escape or leave.
Example: The kids have flown the coop.
13. Fly by night
Meaning: Unreliable or temporary.
Example: Beware of fly by night operators.
14. No flies on
Meaning: Very quick or alert.
Example: There are no flies on her.
15. Wouldn’t harm a fly
Meaning: Extremely gentle.
Example: He wouldn’t harm a fly.
16. Shoot the breeze
Meaning: To chat casually.
Example: We just shot the breeze.
17. Spread one’s wings
Meaning: Try new things.
Example: It’s time to spread your wings.
18. Butterfly effect
Meaning: Small causes have large effects.
Example: That’s the butterfly effect in action.
19. Be on the wing
Meaning: To be in motion.
Example: Birds are often on the wing.
20. Birds of a feather flock together
Meaning: Similar people group together.
Example: They’re birds of a feather.
