1
as in to hover
to move through the air with or as if with outstretched wings
the Wright brothers realized mankind's age-old wish to fly
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2
as in to escape
to get free from a dangerous or confining situation
you must fly to safety immediately
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3
as in to travel
to proceed or move quickly
flew down the concourse to catch his flight
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4
as in to flee
to hasten away from something dangerous or frightening
no one in the movies ever thinks to fly from the ax murderer and immediately call the police
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5
as in to disappear
to cease to be visible
the morning mist had flown, and a sparkling sea lay before us
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6
as in to pass
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
the familiar "Because I said so!" is a reason that won't fly with most teenagers
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Cite this Entry
“Fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fly. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on fly
Nglish: Translation of fly for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fly for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fly
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