on the fly

Idioms  

1. In a hurry, on the run, as in I picked up some groceries on the fly. The transfer of this expression, which literally means “in midair or in flight,” dates from the mid-1800s.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on the fly

But in fairness to the state party, which had to create this process on the fly, Platner’s implosion left no good options.

From Slate ● Jul. 16, 2026

The justices do this increasingly on the fly and in the dark.

From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026

The show is sort of made on the fly and we’re constantly throwing jokes away or trying to see how far we can push something.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026

Philadelphia’s long-misbegotten basketball franchise revives on the fly to stun Boston.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 6, 2026

During weekends and school holidays, the four of us were inseparable, racing in and out of each other’s yards and making up games on the fly.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles