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

Tuchel kept experimenting on the fly and the Three Lions clung on until extra time.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

She was diagnosed with cancer and everything, so it was a lot of adjusting on the fly.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

As for strategy, Barstool just sort of feels its way along, trying new things—selling T-shirts, live concerts—and adjusting on the fly.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026

Luma developed rules on the fly to compensate.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John