fly swatter
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of fly swatter
First recorded in 1885–90
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As one Ukrainian air defence officer told the BBC, it is like trying to use a giant fly swatter which had large holes in it.
From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2022
Would they sip a favorite soup if it had been stirred by a used but “thoroughly washed” fly swatter?
From New York Times ● Dec. 27, 2021
His fastball dipping and darting like a bug trying to avoid a fly swatter, Liriano struck out a season-high 13 without issuing a walk over 6 2/3 innings as the Pirates edged the Brewers 5-3.
From Washington Times ● Jul. 21, 2016
Unfortunately, Muse's efforts can barely get off the ground and wouldn't survive a war against a fly swatter.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2015
The old man sat on a stool by the front door with a red rubber fly swatter in his right hand, watching them.
From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.