fly1
v.
(flies, flying; past flew; past part. flown)
- (of a winged creature or aircraft) move through the air under control.
▸control the flight of (an aircraft).
- move or be hurled quickly through the air.
▸Baseball hit a ball high into the air.
- go or move quickly.
▸informal depart hastily.
▸(of time) pass swiftly.
▸
[
as adj. flying]
hasty; brief:
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a flying visit.
▸
(fly into)
suddenly go into (a rage or other strong emotion).
▸
(fly at)
attack verbally or physically.
- wave or flutter in the wind.
▸(of a flag) be displayed on a flagpole.
- N. Amer. informal be successful.
- archaic flee.
n.
(pl. flies)
-
(Brit. also flies)
an opening at the crotch of a pair of trousers, closed with a zip or buttons.
- a flap of material covering the opening of a tent.
-
(the flies)
the space over the stage in a theatre.
(pl. usu. flys)
Brit. historical a one-horse hackney carriage.
Phrase
- fly in the face of
be openly at variance with (what is usual or expected). - fly a kite
informal try something out to test public opinion. - fly off the handle
informal lose one's temper suddenly. - on the fly
while in motion or progress. - with flying colours
with distinction.
Derivative
Etymology
OE flēogan, of Gmc origin; rel. to fly2.
fly2
n.
(pl. flies)
a flying insect of a large order characterized by a single pair of transparent wings and sucking or piercing mouthparts.
[Order Diptera.]
▸used in names of other flying insects, e.g. dragonfly, firefly.
▸a fishing bait consisting of a mayfly or other natural or artificial flying insect.
Phrase
- drop like flies
die or collapse in large numbers. - a fly in the ointment
a minor irritation that spoils the enjoyment of something. - fly on the wall
an unnoticed observer. - there are no flies on ——
the person specified is quick and astute.
Etymology
OE flȳge, flēoge, of W. Gmc origin; rel. to fly1.
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