bird of passage

American  

noun

1. a bird that migrates seasonally.

2. a transient or migratory person.

---

bird of passage British  

noun

1. a bird that migrates seasonally

2. a transient person or one who roams about

---

bird of passage Idioms  

1. 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]

---

Etymology

Origin of bird of passage

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bird of passage

In his early years, Daniel Klein darted through Europe like a bird of passage, moving from town to town under the same vagabond spell that draws so many young backpackers today.

From New York Times ● Jan. 14, 2014

She never imitates, and if her real hope of success is only a fluttering bird of passage, that plumed creature is sure to be faultlessly preened and exquisitely feathered.

From Time Magazine Archive

She is a bird of passage, always about to leave one movie location for the next.

From Time Magazine Archive

In recent years, the pilgrim has become a rare bird of passage in Christendom.

From Time Magazine Archive

Badger, another bird of passage, became tax assessor.

From When the Ku Klux Rode by Eyre Damer