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

Cite this Entry

“On the fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20fly. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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