The phrase "flies by" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /flaɪz baɪ/. The "fl" sound is pronounced with the lips pressed together, followed by the "ai" diphthong. The "z" sound is voiced, and the "b" sound is produced by bringing the lips together and then releasing them to make a sound. Finally, the "y" sound is made by releasing the tongue from the roof of the mouth. "Flies by" is commonly used to describe time that seems to pass quickly.
Flies by is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe the perception of time passing quickly. When we say that time "flies by," we are indicating that it seems to move at a fast pace or feels like it has passed quickly. This phrase is commonly used in conversations to express surprise or astonishment at how swiftly a particular period has come to an end.
The phrase "flies by" may be considered similar to other idioms such as "time flies" or "time passes quickly" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the speed and swiftness of the passing time. It conveys a sense of fleetingness and transience, suggesting that moments or events seem to slip away rapidly.
This expression can be seen in various contexts, whether it's describing the experience of watching a captivating movie that feels like it's over before you know it, or reflecting on the passing of a year that seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. It implies surprise or a realization that time has passed quicker than anticipated.
Overall, "flies by" reflects the perception of time moving swiftly and serves as a reminder to make the most of every moment, as time has a tendency to pass rapidly and can sometimes catch us off guard.
The phrase "flies by" is not a word itself but a combination of two words: "flies" and "by".
The origin of the word "fly" as a verb can be traced back to the Old English word "flēogan", which means "to take flight" or "to move through the air". Over the centuries, the term evolved into its current form, retaining its fundamental meaning of moving swiftly through the air.
The word "by" has its roots in the Old English word "bi", which signifies "near" or "close to". It evolved into "by" in Middle English and developed additional meanings such as "past" or "alongside".
When combined, "flies by" refers to something passing or moving swiftly, as if flying through the air, in close proximity to or past a certain point, person, or period of time.