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

Fielder is a constant presence in the documentary, a decision made on the fly, the filmmakers said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

Alyxxx is a DJ who performed at Trans*cendent who stands out to Savage because of her ability to pivot on the fly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

San Francisco is still bolting new pieces together, including fitting Mike Evans into the offense on the fly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

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

All of this was happening in my head in an instant, on the fly.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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