~ 1
■ verb ( flies , ~ing ; past flew ; past participle flown )
1》 (of a winged creature or aircraft) move through the air under control.
↘control the flight of (an aircraft).
2》 move or be hurled quickly through the air.
↘ Baseball hit a ball high into the air.
3》 go or move quickly.
↘ informal depart hastily.
↘(of time) pass swiftly.
↘[as adjective ~ing ] hasty; brief: a ~ing visit.
↘( ~ into ) suddenly go into (a rage or other strong emotion).
↘( ~ at ) attack verbally or physically.
4》 wave or flutter in the wind.
↘(of a flag) be displayed on a flagpole.
5》 N. Amer. informal be successful.
6》 archaic flee.
■ noun ( plural flies )
1》 ( Brit. also flies ) an opening at the crotch of a pair of trousers, closed with a zip or buttons.
2》 a flap of material covering the opening of a tent.
3》 ( the flies ) the space over the stage in a theatre.
4》 ( plural usu. ~s ) Brit. historical a one-horse hackney carriage.
Phrases
~ in the face of be openly at variance with (what is usual or expected).
~ a kite informal try something out to test public opinion.
~ off the handle informal lose one's temper suddenly.
on the ~ while in motion or progress.
with ~ing colours with distinction.
Derivatives
~able adjective
Origin
OE flēogan , of Gmc origin; related to ~ 2 .
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~ 2
■ noun ( plural flies ) a ~ing 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 ~ing insects, e.g. dragon~ , fire~ .
↘a fishing bait consisting of a may~ or other natural or artificial ~ing insect.
Phrases
drop like flies die or collapse in large numbers.
a ~ in the ointment a minor irritation that spoils the enjoyment of something.
~ on the wall an unnoticed observer.
there are no flies on —— the person specified is quick and astute.
Origin
OE ~̄ge , flēoge , of W. Gmc origin; related to ~ 1 .
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~ 3
■ adjective ( ~er , ~est ) informal
1》 Brit. knowing and clever; worldly-wise.
2》 N. Amer. stylish and fashionable.
Derivatives
~ness noun
Origin
C19: of unknown origin.