How Do You Spell FLIES AT?

Pronunciation: [flˈa͡ɪz at] (IPA)

The phrase "flies at" is spelled with the letter combination "-ies" which is a common way to pluralize words ending in "-y". The "f" has a voiceless "f" sound and the "l" has a voiced "l" sound. The "i" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, and the "e" is pronounced like a short "i" sound. The "a" is a short "a" sound, and the "t" is pronounced with an unvoiced "t" sound. Together, the word is pronounced as "flaiz at."

FLIES AT Meaning and Definition

1. Flies at is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of rapidly approaching or moving towards a particular target or destination, typically with speed or force. This expression is commonly associated with physical objects or entities, but can also be used metaphorically.

   In a literal context, flies at refers to the action of an airborne creature, such as a bird or insect, swiftly flying towards a specific point or object. It suggests a purposeful and determined movement, often accompanied by a rapid speed or trajectory. For example, a bird spotting its prey from a distance may suddenly take flight and flies at it with great speed to catch it.

   In a figurative sense, flies at can describe the act of addressing or confronting a situation or problem with great urgency or determination. This usage implies a proactive and assertive approach to tackling challenges or obstacles. For instance, if there is a major crisis at hand, a responsible leader would take charge and flies at finding a solution to resolve the issue effectively.

   Overall, the expression "flies at" conveys a sense of purposeful and dynamic action towards a specific target, be it physical, metaphorical, or symbolic.

Common Misspellings for FLIES AT

• dlies at
• clies at
• vlies at
• glies at
• tlies at
• rlies at
• fkies at
• fpies at
• foies at
• flues at
• fljes at
• flkes at
• floes at
• fl9es at
• fl8es at
• fliws at
• fliss at
• flids at
• flirs at
• fli4s at

Etymology of FLIES AT

The phrase "flies at" does not have its own etymology as a single word. Instead, it is a combination of two words: "flies" and "at". Here is the etymology of each word:

Flies:

The word "flies" originates from the Old English word "fleoge", which means "fly". It is related to the Middle English word "flye" and can be traced back to the West Germanic word "fleugon". This West Germanic root is also related to the Old High German word "flioga" and the Old Norse word "fluga".

At:

The word "at" has a more straightforward etymology. It comes from the Old English word "æt", which means "at", "to", or "near".