bird of passage

noun

1. a bird that migrates seasonally.

2. a transient or migratory person.

bird of passage

noun

1. a bird that migrates seasonally

2. a transient person or one who roams about

Word History and Origins

Origin of bird of passage¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Idioms and Phrases

A transient, one who is here today and gone tomorrow. For example, Mary moves nearly every year; she's a true bird of passage. This phrase transfers the literal meaning of a migrating bird to human behavior. [Second half of 1700s]