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

Between his deep croak, Hannah’s squeaky warble, and the fact that they were making up words on the fly Coal began to giggle.

From Literature

Some are more formally organized, while others appear to be activating on the fly.

From The Wall Street Journal

Quality coaches are able to change their approaches on the fly.

From Los Angeles Times

Deviating from that approach would have meant improvising a different formula on the fly, the BLS said, a move that could have appeared unscientific to the public.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It was a lot of learning on the fly,” Zach said.

From Los Angeles Times