send (something) flying

send (something) flying

1. To scatter something into the air or around an area. I accidentally knocked into the waiter and sent the drinks flying.

2. To cause something to travel a great distance in the air. He kicked the ball and sent it flying. The car slammed into the post box and sent it flying across the street.

See also: flying, send

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

send flying

Cause to be knocked or scattered about, as in She bumped into the table and sent all the papers flying. This somewhat hyperbolic idiom was first recorded in 1789.

See also: flying, send

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

send flying

Informal

To cause to be knocked or scattered about with force: a blow to the table that sent the dishes flying.

See also: flying, send

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.