flies

as the crow flies

if the distance between two places is measured as the crow flies, it is measured as a straight line between the two places. 'How far is it from Cambridge to London?' 'About 50 miles as the crow flies.'

See also: crow

be dropping like flies

if people are dropping like flies, large numbers of them are dying or becoming ill or injured within a short period of time. The heat was overwhelming and people were dropping like flies.

See also: like

the fur flies

if the fur flies, people have a bad argument. The fur was really flying during that meeting.

See also: fur

There are no flies on someone.

something that you say which means that someone is intelligent and able to think quickly. The minute she heard the business was for sale she was on the phone making an offer. There are no flies on her.

See also: there

Time flies.

something that you say which means that time passes very quickly, often so quickly that you are surprised. I can't believe your son is at university already. How time flies! I never seem to manage to finish my work. The time just flies.

See also: time

Time flies when you're having fun.

something that you say which means that time passes quickly when you are enjoying yourself. 'I can't believe we've spent four hours cleaning this carpet.' 'Well, time flies when you're having fun.'

See also: fun, time, you're

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as the crow flies

measured in a straight line. It's only about 100 miles as the crow flies to great ski country.

See also: crow

time flies

a certain period has passed surprisingly quickly. I can't believe your daughter is old enough to be in college already! How time flies!

Etymology: based on the saying time flies when you are having fun

See also: time