on the fly
phrase
1
: in motion : busy
2
: while still in the air : without the ball bouncing
The home run carried 450 feet on the fly.
3
: in a hurry and often without preparation : hastily, spontaneously
making decisions on the fly
4
: simultaneously with another task
software that handles formatting on the fly
Examples of on the fly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
As this is written, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) are designing joint operations and creating UAV doctrine on the fly.
—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
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Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
As this is written, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) are designing joint operations and creating UAV doctrine on the fly.
—
David A. Deptula,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“On the fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20fly. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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