- fly*/*/*/
- [flaɪ]
(past tense flew [fluː] ; past participle flown [fləʊn] ) verb
I
1) to use wings to move through the airNot all insects can fly.[/ex]2) [I] to travel on a planeSometimes it's cheaper to fly.[/ex]I flew from London to Amsterdam.[/ex]We flew into Heathrow on Monday evening.[/ex]3) [T] to take people or goods somewhere on a planeThey flew her home for urgent medical treatment.[/ex]Helicopters are being used to fly in supplies.[/ex]4) [I/T] to control a plane when it is in the airHe had always wanted to learn to fly.[/ex]The pilots refused to fly the planes in icy conditions.[/ex]5) [I] to move very fast through the airA bullet flew past his head.[/ex]6) [I] to move suddenly or quicklyThe door flew open and the head teacher marched in.[/ex]7) [I] if time flies, it seems to pass very quickly8) [I/T] if you fly a flag, or if it is flying, it is on the top of a pole or building•fly in the face of sth — to be completely opposite to something that most people believe or accept[/ex][i]This behaviour flies in the face of all the ideals we've worked towards.[/ex]fly into a rage — to suddenly become extremely angry[/ex]go flying — informal to move quickly through the air and fall to the ground[/ex]I tripped over a tree root and went flying.[/ex]II(plural flies) noun [C]fly [flaɪ]a common small insect with wings•dropping like flies — informal getting ill or dying in large numbers very quickly[/ex]on the fly — in a very quick and informal way[/ex]sb wouldn't hurt a fly — spoken used for saying that someone is very gentle and kind[/ex]
Dictionary for writing and speaking English. 2014.