on the fly

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.

Example Sentences

But this time, auto executives say the situation can’t be resolved simply by purchasing alternative chip supplies on the fly and shifting production schedules.

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The incidents are adding to the stress on the cease-fire, which negotiators say was hammered out at a high level and left some details to be worked out on the fly.

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“I had to learn on the fly,” he said.

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For opposing offensive coordinators, Verse is no longer a problem to attempt to solve on the fly.

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Past lawsuits show that Border Patrol agents determined on the fly who to stop, based on the slightest behaviors, from people slowing abruptly, speeding up, avoiding eye contact or not sitting upright.

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