a fly on the wheel

a fly on the wheel

Someone who thinks they are more powerful than they really are. Yeah, you aren't responsible for all of these charitable donations—stop acting like a fly on the wheel. That guy's a total fly on the wheel, always acting like he gets all this stuff done on his own without the help of an entire team. Why must you act like a fly on the wheel? You know you're just building upon existing innovations in the field, right?

See also: fly, on, wheel

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

a fly on the wheel

a person who overestimates their own influence.

This phrase stems from Aesop's fable of a fly sitting on the axletree of a moving chariot and saying, ‘See what a dust I raise’.

See also: fly, on, wheel

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017