FLIES Meaning and
Definition
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Flies, in the plural form of the noun, refer to small winged insects belonging to the order Diptera, known for their ability to fly. They are characterized by a single pair of wings, as opposed to most other insects that possess two pairs. Flies are anatomically defined by their compound eyes, mouthparts adapted for sucking or lapping liquid or semi-solid substances, and a pair of antennae. They exhibit a diverse range of sizes, body shapes, and colorations, with a typical length of a few millimeters to a few centimeters.
Flies are found in diverse habitats across the globe, except in extremely cold regions, and are known for their adaptability to different environments. They play various roles in ecosystems, some being pollinators, recyclers, or predators, while others are considered pests due to their association with disease transmission or the annoyance they cause to humans and animals.
From a cultural perspective, flies have often been symbolically associated with negative connotations such as decay, filth, or annoyance. They feature prominently in idioms, expressions, and literature, serving both metaphorical and literal purposes. Flies have also been subjects of scientific research, particularly in the fields of genetics, disease transmission, evolution, and behavior.
As a verb, "flies" can also refer to the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "to fly," which means to move through the air using wings, to pilot an aircraft, or to travel swiftly or effortlessly.
Top Common Misspellings for FLIES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FLIES
Etymology of FLIES
The word "flies" has multiple etymological origins depending on its usage.
1. As the present tense of the verb "fly":
- The word "fly" can be traced back to the Old English word "fleogan" which meant "to fly" or "to take flight". From there, it evolved into Middle English as "flien" before eventually becoming "fly" in Modern English.
2. As the plural form of the noun "fly" (referring to insects):
- The noun "fly" originated from the Old English word "fleoge" or "fleo", which meant "fly (insect)". It has Germanic roots related to the Proto-Germanic word "fleugan", meaning "to fly".
Idioms with the word FLIES
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no flies on sb
The idiom "no flies on sb" is used to describe someone who is quick, sharp, and intelligent. It implies that the person is clever and always alert, leaving no opportunity for others to take advantage of them.
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time flies
The idiom "time flies" means that time passes very quickly or seems to go by rapidly.
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the fur flies
The idiom "the fur flies" is an expression used to describe a situation where there is intense conflict, heated argument, or physical altercations between individuals or groups. It implies a volatile and confrontational atmosphere typically accompanied by aggression and hostility.
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as the crow flies
The idiom "as the crow flies" means the shortest or most direct path between two points, disregarding any obstacles like hills, rivers, or winding roads.
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the shit flies, at (the) shit hits the fan
The idiom "the shit flies, or when the shit hits the fan" is a colloquial expression used to describe a situation that becomes chaotic, disastrous, or uncontrollable. It signifies a moment or event when problems, conflicts, or negative consequences escalate and become overwhelming. The idiom is often associated with unexpected and unpleasant events unraveling, leading to a significant and often messy mess.
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how time flies
The idiom "how time flies" is an expression used to convey surprise or disbelief about how quickly time has passed. It indicates astonishment at the speed with which events or periods of time have gone by.
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There are no flies on sb.
The idiom "There are no flies on sb." means that the person being referred to is intelligent, sharp, and quick-witted. It suggests that the individual is astute and skilled at avoiding being tricked or deceived.
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There's no flies on sm
The idiom "There's no flies on someone" is a colloquial expression used to describe someone who is sharp, astute, or quick-witted. It implies that the person being referred to is clever and not easily fooled or deceived.
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no flies on sm
The idiom "no flies on someone" can be used to describe an individual who is quick-witted, perceptive, and alert. It implies that the person is clever and astute, often suggesting that they are not easily fooled or deceived.
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(My,) how time flies.
The idiom "(My,) how time flies" is an expression used to convey surprise or disbelief at how quickly time has passed. It is often used when someone realizes that a significant amount of time has gone by since a specific event or milestone.
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(there are) no flies on somebody
The idiom "(there are) no flies on somebody" is a colloquial expression used to describe someone who is extremely clever, quick-witted, or astute and cannot be easily fooled or deceived. It implies that the person is intellectually sharp and always alert, leaving no opportunity for others to take advantage of them.
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catch flies
The idiom "catch flies" refers to someone being idle or daydreaming, engaging in aimless or unproductive activities, or being easily distracted. It implies a lack of focus, attention, or motivation.
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day the eagle flies
The idiom "day the eagle flies" typically refers to a rare or exceptional day, often associated with a sense of freedom or success. It implies a significant event or occasion that is extraordinary and auspicious, similar to the fleeting presence of an eagle soaring high in the sky.
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when the eagle flies
The idiom "when the eagle flies" is often used to describe a moment when something grand, significant, or powerful takes place. It refers to a time or situation when extraordinary events or achievements happen, symbolizing the soaring nature of an eagle in flight.
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lord of the flies
The idiom "lord of the flies" refers to a situation where power and authority held by individuals in a group leads to chaos, violence, or the deterioration of civilized behavior. It is often used to describe a scenario in which people, particularly children or those without proper guidance or accountability, descend into savagery and brutality. This idiom originated from the title of William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," in which a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island gradually succumbs to their dark and primal instincts.
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no flies on
The idiom "no flies on" is used to describe someone who is quick, intelligent, or shrewd. It implies that the person is not easily fooled or deceived, and is always alert and aware of their surroundings.
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no flies on (one)
The idiom "no flies on (one)" is an informal expression used to describe someone who is quick, sharp-witted, or astute. It implies that the person is intelligent and perceptive, suggesting that nothing can go unnoticed or trick them.
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no flies on somebody
The idiom "no flies on somebody" is an expression used to describe a person who is quick-witted, astute, and not easily deceived. It implies that the individual is alert, perceptive, and aware of what is happening around them, leaving no opportunity for others to take advantage of them.
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there are no flies on
The idiom "there are no flies on" is a phrase used to describe a person who is quick-witted, alert, and highly observant. It implies that the person being referred to is sharp and astute, with the ability to perceive things accurately and make quick decisions.
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there are no flies on someone
The idiom "there are no flies on someone" is a figurative expression used to describe a person who is clever, quick-witted, shrewd, or astute. It suggests that the person is mentally sharp and alert, not easily deceived or taken advantage of.
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There's no flies on
The idiom "There's no flies on someone" means that the person being referred to is intelligent, shrewd, aware, or astute. It implies that the individual is quick to understand or perceive things and is not easily fooled or taken advantage of.
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die/drop/fall like flies
The idiom "die/drop/fall like flies" means that a large number of people or things are dying, falling, or failing quickly or easily. It is often used to describe a situation where there is a rapid and widespread decrease or loss.
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honey catches more flies than vinegar
The idiom "honey catches more flies than vinegar" means that being kind, sweet, or polite will often help you win people over or get what you want more effectively than being bitter, harsh, or confrontational. It suggests that a gentle approach is more effective in attracting others.
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You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
The idiom "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar" means that you are more likely to succeed in persuading or influencing others by being kind and friendly rather than by being harsh or antagonistic. Just as flies are attracted to the sweet smell of honey, people are more inclined to cooperate when approached with kindness and politeness compared to an aggressive or negative approach.
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If it looks like a duck and walks/quack/flies etc. like a duck, it is a duck.
The idiom "If it looks like a duck and walks/quacks/flies, etc. like a duck, it is a duck" is a straightforward way of saying that if something appears or behaves in a certain way, then it is likely to be exactly what it appears to be. It suggests that the most obvious explanation or observation is probably the correct one.
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die like flies
The idiom "die like flies" refers to a situation where many people or things are dying rapidly or in large numbers. It is often used to describe a catastrophic event or a situation where there is a high mortality rate.
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be dropping like flies
The idiom "be dropping like flies" means that a large number of people or things are dying or falling, typically in quick succession. It suggests a rapid and significant decrease or decline in numbers. It can also be used more figuratively to describe a situation where people or things are rapidly failing or giving up.
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a shut mouth catches no flies
The idiom "a shut mouth catches no flies" means that staying silent and not speaking unnecessarily can help avoid trouble or prevent one from getting involved in arguments or conflicts. It emphasizes the idea that keeping quiet can sometimes be the best approach to avoid negative consequences.
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die/fall/drop like flies
The idiom "die/fall/drop like flies" is used to describe a situation where many people or things are rapidly and unexpectedly succumbing to some negative outcome or event, such as getting sick or dying, collapsing or failing, or losing strength or effectiveness. It implies a large number of casualties or failures occurring in a short period of time.
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you attract more flies with honey than vinegar
The idiom "you attract more flies with honey than vinegar" means that it is easier to win people over, gain their favor, or achieve your goals by being kind, friendly, and pleasant rather than being harsh, rude, or aggressive.
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like flies to manure
The idiom "like flies to manure" is used to describe a situation where people are attracted to something that is considered unpleasant or undesirable. It implies that individuals show a strong inclination or cannot resist being drawn towards something despite its negative qualities, much like flies are naturally attracted to manure or unpleasant smells.
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Time flies when you're having fun
The idiom "Time flies when you're having fun" means that when you are engaged in enjoyable activities or spending time with people you like, time seems to pass quickly or feel shorter than it actually is.
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drop like flies
The idiom "drop like flies" refers to a situation where a large number of people or things are rapidly and unexpectedly dying, falling, or failing. Typically, it implies that individuals or objects are succumbing quickly and in great numbers, often due to some unfavorable circumstance or adverse event.
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When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window
The idiom "When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out of the window" refers to how financial difficulties or poverty can strain relationships and cause love and affection to diminish or disappear altogether. It suggests that when people are struggling to make ends meet or facing financial hardships, their focus shifts towards survival and finding ways to improve their economic situation, often leading to neglect or conflict in personal relationships.
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drink with the flies
To be alone or abandoned, usually in a state of despair or hopelessness.
Similar spelling words for FLIES
- fleecy,
- flake,
- fleece,
- fleek,
- flows,
- FLIPS,
- follies,
- flied,
- flush,
- files,
- flesh,
- fleig,
- fries,
- floss,
- flits,
- Flecha,
- fluke,
- flaws,
- fills,
- flashy,
- flex,
- floozie,
- fleshy,
- Flossie,
- flees,
- flash,
- fliss,
- flask,
- fleck,
- lies,
- Fillies,
- flossy,
- flier,
- fails,
- flaig.
Conjugate verb Flies
CONDITIONAL
I
would fly
we
would fly
you
would fly
he/she/it
would fly
they
would fly
FUTURE
I
will fly
we
will fly
you
will fly
he/she/it
will fly
they
will fly
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have flown
we
will have flown
you
will have flown
he/she/it
will have flown
they
will have flown
PAST
I
flew
we
flew
you
flew
he/she/it
flew
they
flew
PAST PERFECT
I
had flown
we
had flown
you
had flown
he/she/it
had flown
they
had flown
PRESENT
I
fly
we
fly
you
fly
he/she/it
flies
they
fly
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have flown
we
have flown
you
have flown
he/she/it
has flown
they
have flown
I
am flying
we
are flying
you
are flying
he/she/it
is flying
they
are flying
I
was flying
we
were flying
you
were flying
he/she/it
was flying
they
were flying
I
will be flying
we
will be flying
you
will be flying
he/she/it
will be flying
they
will be flying
I
have been flying
we
have been flying
you
have been flying
he/she/it
has been flying
they
have been flying
I
had been flying
we
had been flying
you
had been flying
he/she/it
had been flying
they
had been flying
I
will have been flying
we
will have been flying
you
will have been flying
he/she/it
will have been flying
they
will have been flying
I
would have flown
we
would have flown
you
would have flown
he/she/it
would have flown
they
would have flown
I
would be flying
we
would be flying
you
would be flying
he/she/it
would be flying
they
would be flying
I
would have been flying
we
would have been flying
you
would have been flying
he/she/it
would have been flying
they
would have been flying
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