FLY BY Meaning and
Definition
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Fly by is a phrasal verb that conveys the action of passing swiftly or quickly near or beside something or someone, usually without stopping or making any substantial contact. It often refers to the movement of objects, particularly aircraft or spacecraft, in close proximity to a particular place or target. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe actions done quickly or superficially, without much thought or engagement.
In its literal sense, fly by is commonly associated with aerial maneuvers, where aircraft navigate close to a specific location or target for various purposes, such as reconnaissance, observation, or to execute a challenging feat. This movement typically involves a rapid passage, offering little opportunity for interaction or detailed examination.
Metaphorically, fly by captures the notion of an action that occurs quickly or casually, typically without giving it much consideration or dedication. It suggests that the action is carried out in a brief or superficial manner, often without fully grasping its significance or impact. This phrase is frequently used when describing situations or tasks being done hurriedly, carelessly, or without a genuine commitment to the activity or the surrounding environment.
Overall, fly by encapsulates actions characterized by speed, brevity, and lack of deep engagement, whether in the literal context of aerial passages or in a more figurative sense.
Common Misspellings for FLY BY
- dly by
- cly by
- vly by
- gly by
- tly by
- rly by
- fky by
- fpy by
- foy by
- flt by
- flg by
- flh by
- flu by
- fl7 by
- fl6 by
- fly vy
- fly ny
- fly hy
- fly gy
Etymology of FLY BY
The word "fly by" is a compound noun that originated in the 16th century, combining the verb "fly" with the preposition "by". The word "fly" comes from the Old English word "fleogan", which has Germanic origins. It refers to the movement of an object, such as a bird or an aircraft, through the air. The preposition "by" comes from the Old English word "bī", which also has Germanic roots. It means "near" or "beside". The combination of these two words in the phrase "fly by" indicates the act of flying close to or past a particular object or location. Over time, "fly by" gained a broader interpretation, referring to any quick or passing movement.
Idioms with the word FLY BY
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fly by the seat of your pants
The idiom "fly by the seat of your pants" means to do something largely relying on intuition or instinct, without any solid plan or preparation. It implies making decisions or taking actions based on one's own judgement and gut feeling rather than following established guidelines or expertise.
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fly by the seat of pants
The idiom "fly by the seat of one's pants" means to proceed or make decisions based on instinct, intuition, or improvisation, rather than on careful planning or guidance. It describes a situation in which someone is navigating or dealing with something without relying on prior knowledge or preparation.
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fly by the seat of (one's) pants
The idiom "fly by the seat of (one's) pants" means to act or make decisions based on instinct or intuition without relying on a predetermined plan or prior knowledge. It suggests a lack of preparation or guidance, instead opting for a spontaneous and improvisational approach. This phrase originated in aviation, where pilots relied on their senses and the feedback from their aircraft to make adjustments and navigate rather than relying solely on instruments.
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fly by
To pass quickly or swiftly.
Similar spelling words for FLY BY
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