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

To make up for it, he pulled out a completely different jumping pass on the fly, starting with a different quad—-and then landed another fiendish combination.

From The Wall Street Journal

Only after his thirteenth shot did he finally rip the camera from its tripod, run for his car, take one more picture on the fly, and stuff the camera bag under his seat.

From Literature

“Lack of air superiority over the Channel,” Welchman read aloud, translating the German on the fly.

From Literature

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