Flee vs. Fly: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 4, 2024
Flee is to run away from danger or threat, while fly refers to moving through the air, often with wings.
Key Differences
Flee involves escaping from a place or situation due to fear, danger, or a threat, often implying urgent, rapid movement. For example, people might flee their homes during a natural disaster to seek safety. On the other hand, fly specifically means to move through the air, typically by using wings, as birds, insects, or airplanes do. This action can be voluntary or as part of a natural ability, and it doesn't necessarily involve escaping from danger.
Fleeing is primarily associated with sentient beings, including humans and animals, who can experience fear or perceive threats. It is a reactive behavior triggered by survival instincts. Whereas flying can be performed by living creatures like birds and insects as part of their normal movement or by man-made objects like airplanes and helicopters, which are designed to mimic this ability.
The context in which flee is used often involves a sense of urgency and desperation. It's about leaving as quickly as possible to avoid harm. Meanwhile, flying can be associated with freedom, exploration, or routine travel, and it doesn't inherently carry a sense of urgency or fear.
Flee is a response to a specific situation and is often temporary, lasting only until the individual reaches safety. In contrast, flying can be a sustained mode of travel or movement, covering great distances or heights, and is not necessarily linked to a situational response.
While fleeing is almost always a physical action, flying can also be used metaphorically to describe something moving very fast or directly, or even to express the passing of time, as in "time flies." This shows the versatility of "fly" in language use, extending beyond the literal meaning.
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Flee and Fly Definitions
Flee
To run away from a threat or danger.
The family had to flee their home due to the approaching wildfire.
Fly
To move through the air, typically by flapping wings or propulsion.
The eagle can fly at incredible altitudes.
Flee
To escape from legal custody or avoid legal prosecution.
The suspect tried to flee the country to avoid arrest.
Fly
To travel in an aircraft.
We plan to fly to Paris for our vacation.
Flee
To avoid something in a non-literal sense.
She fled the room to escape the embarrassment of her mistake.
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Fly
To move or be sent through the air with great speed.
The ball flew past the goalkeeper into the net.
Flee
To leave a place very quickly.
As the storm hit, tourists began to flee the beach.
Fly
To go straight to a target or destination.
After the meeting, she will fly back home.
Flee
To escape from an undesirable situation.
He decided to flee the awkward conversation.
Fly
To pass very quickly.
Time flies when you're having fun.
Flee
To run away, as from trouble or danger
Fled from the house into the night.
Fly
To move through the air by means of wings or winglike parts.
Flee
To pass swiftly away; vanish
"of time fleeing beneath him" (William Faulkner).
Fly
To travel by air
We flew to Dallas.
Flee
To run away from
Flee the scene of an accident.
Fly
To operate an aircraft or spacecraft.
Flee
(intransitive) To run away; to escape.
The prisoner tried to flee, but was caught by the guards.
Fly
To rise in or be carried through the air by the wind
A kite flying above the playground.
Flee
(transitive) To escape from.
Many people fled the country as war loomed.
Thousands of people moved northward trying to flee the drought.
Fly
To float or flap in the air
Pennants flying from the masthead.
Flee
(intransitive) To disappear quickly; to vanish.
Ethereal products flee once freely exposed to air.
Fly
To move or be sent through the air with great speed
Bullets flying in every direction.
A plate that flew from my hands when I stumbled.
Flee
To run away, as from danger or evil; to avoid in an alarmed or cowardly manner; to hasten off; - usually with from. This is sometimes omitted, making the verb transitive.
[He] cowardly fled, not having struck one stroke.
Flee fornication.
So fled his enemies my warlike father.
Fly
To move with great speed; rush or dart
The children flew down the hall.
Flee
Run away quickly;
He threw down his gun and fled
Fly
To be communicated to many people
Rumors are flying about their breakup.
Fly
To flee; escape.
Fly
To hasten; spring
Flew to her students' defense.
Fly
To pass by swiftly
A vacation flying by.
Fly
To be dissipated; vanish
All his money has flown.
Fly
Past tense and past participle flied (flīd) Baseball To hit a fly ball.
Fly
To shatter or explode
The dropped plate flew into pieces.
Fly
To become suddenly emotional, especially angry
The driver flew into a rage.
Fly
(Informal) To gain acceptance or approval; go over
"However sophisticated the reasoning, this particular notion may not fly" (New York Times).
Fly
To cause to fly or float in the air
Fly a kite.
Fly a flag.
Fly
(Nautical) To operate under (a particular flag)
A tanker that flies the Liberian flag.
Fly
To pilot (an aircraft or spacecraft).
Fly
To carry or transport in an aircraft or spacecraft
Fly emergency supplies to a stricken area.
Fly
To pass over or through in flight
Flew the coastal route in record time.
Fly
To perform in a spacecraft or aircraft
Flew six missions into space.
Fly
To flee or run from
Fly a place in panic.
Fly
To avoid; shun
Fly temptation.
Fly
The act of flying; flight.
Fly
The opening, or the fastening that closes this opening, on the front of a pair of pants.
Fly
The flap of cloth that covers this opening.
Fly
A piece of protective fabric secured over a tent and often extended over the entrance.
Fly
A flyleaf.
Fly
(Baseball) A fly ball.
Fly
(Sports) In swimming, butterfly.
Fly
The span of a flag from the staff to the outer edge.
Fly
The outer edge of a flag.
Fly
A flywheel.
Fly
Flies The area directly over the stage of a theater, containing overhead lights, drop curtains, and equipment for raising and lowering sets.
Fly
Chiefly British A one-horse carriage, especially one for hire.
Fly
Any of numerous two-winged insects of the order Diptera, especially any of the family Muscidae, which includes the housefly.
Fly
Any of various other flying insects, such as a caddisfly.
Fly
A fishing lure simulating something a fish eats, such as a mayfly or a minnow, made by attaching materials such as feathers, tinsel, and colored thread to a fishhook.
Fly
Chiefly British Mentally alert; sharp.
Fly
(Slang) Fashionable; stylish.
Fly
(zoology) Any insect of the order Diptera; characterized by having two wings (except for some wingless species), also called true flies.
Fly
(non-technical) Especially, any of the insects of the family Muscidae, such as the common housefly (other families of Diptera include mosquitoes and midges).
Fly
Any similar, but not closely related insect, such as a dragonfly or butterfly.
Fly
(fishing) A lightweight fishing lure resembling an insect.
Fly
(weightlifting) A chest exercise performed by moving extended arms from the sides to in front of the chest. (also flye)
Fly
(swimming) The butterfly stroke (plural is normally flys).
Fly
(obsolete) A witch's familiar.
Fly
(obsolete) A parasite.
Fly
(preceded by definite article) A simple dance in which the hands are shaken in the air, popular in the 1960s.
Fly
(finance) A butterfly (combination of four options).
Fly
(obsolete) The action of flying; flight.
Fly
An act of flying.
There was a good wind, so I decided to give the kite a fly.
Fly
(baseball) A fly ball.
Fly
(American football) fly route
Fly
A piece of canvas that covers the opening at the front of a tent.
Fly
The sloping or roof part of the canvas of a tent.
Fly
(often plural) A strip of material (sometimes hiding zippers or buttons) at the front of a pair of trousers, pants, underpants, bootees, etc.
Ha-ha! Your flies are undone!
Fly
The free edge of a flag.
Fly
The horizontal length of a flag.
Fly
(weightlifting) An exercise that involves wide opening and closing of the arms perpendicular to the shoulders.
Fly
The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.
Fly
(nautical) That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card.
Fly
Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock.
Fly
(historical) A type of small, light, fast horse-drawn carriage that can be hired for transportation (sometimes pluralised flys).
Fly
In a knitting machine, the piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch..
Fly
The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.
Fly
(weaving) A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk.
Fly
The person who took the printed sheets from the press.
Fly
A vibrating frame with fingers, attached to a power printing press for doing the same work.
Fly
One of the upper screens of a stage in a theatre.
Fly
(cotton manufacture) waste cotton
Fly
A wing.
The bullet barely grazed the wild fowl's fly.
Fly
(intransitive) To travel through the air, another gas, or a vacuum, without being in contact with a grounded surface.
Birds of passage fly to warmer regions as it gets colder in winter.
The Concorde flew from Paris to New York faster than any other passenger airplane.
It takes about eleven hours to fly from Frankfurt to Hong Kong.
The little fairy flew home on the back of her friend, the giant eagle.
Fly
To flee, to escape (from).
Fly, my lord! The enemy are upon us!
Fly
To cause to fly travel or float in the air: to transport via air or the like.
Charles Lindbergh flew his airplane The Spirit of St. Louis across the Atlantic ocean.
Why don’t you go outside and fly kites, kids? The wind is just perfect.
Birds fly their prey to their nest to feed it to their young.
Each day the postal service flies thousands of letters around the globe.
Fly
(intransitive) To travel or proceed very fast; to hasten.
He flew down the hill on his bicycle.
It's five o'clock already. Doesn't time fly?
Fly
(intransitive) To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly.
A door flies open
A bomb flies apart
Fly
(intransitive) To proceed with great success.
His career is really flying at the moment.
One moment the company was flying high, the next it was on its knees.
Fly
To be accepted, come about or work out.
Let's see if that idea flies.
You know, I just don't think that's going to fly. Why don't you spend your time on something better?
Fly
To display (a flag) on a flagpole.
Fly
(transitive) To hunt with a hawk.
Fly
To be in the winged adult stage.
This species flies from late summer until frost.
Fly
To hit a fly ball; to hit a fly ball that is caught for an out. Compare ground (verb) and line (verb).
Jones flied to right in his last at-bat.
Fly
Quick-witted, alert, mentally sharp.
Fly
(slang) Well dressed, smart in appearance; in style, cool.
He's pretty fly.
Fly
(slang) Beautiful; displaying physical beauty.
Fly
To move in or pass through the air with wings, as a bird.
Fly
To move through the air or before the wind; esp., to pass or be driven rapidly through the air by any impulse.
Fly
To float, wave, or rise in the air, as sparks or a flag.
Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
Fly
To move or pass swiftly; to hasten away; to circulate rapidly; as, a ship flies on the deep; a top flies around; rumor flies.
Fly, envious Time, till thou run out thy race.
The dark waves murmured as the ships flew on.
Fly
To run from danger; to attempt to escape; to flee; as, an enemy or a coward flies. See Note under Flee.
Fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.
Whither shall I fly to escape their hands ?
Fly
To move suddenly, or with violence; to do an act suddenly or swiftly; - usually with a qualifying word; as, a door flies open; a bomb flies apart.
Fly
To cause to fly or to float in the air, as a bird, a kite, a flag, etc.
The brave black flag I fly.
Fly
To fly or flee from; to shun; to avoid.
Sleep flies the wretch.
To fly the favors of so good a king.
Fly
To hunt with a hawk.
Fly
To manage (an aircraft) in flight; as, to fly an aëroplane.
Fly
Any winged insect; esp., one with transparent wings; as, the Spanish fly; firefly; gall fly; dragon fly.
Fly
A hook dressed in imitation of a fly, - used for fishing.
Fly
A familiar spirit; a witch's attendant.
A trifling fly, none of your great familiars.
Fly
A parasite.
Fly
A kind of light carriage for rapid transit, plying for hire and usually drawn by one horse.
Fly
The length of an extended flag from its staff; sometimes, the length from the "union" to the extreme end.
Fly
The part of a vane pointing the direction from which the wind blows.
Fly
That part of a compass on which the points are marked; the compass card.
Fly
Two or more vanes set on a revolving axis, to act as a fanner, or to equalize or impede the motion of machinery by the resistance of the air, as in the striking part of a clock.
Fly
The piece hinged to the needle, which holds the engaged loop in position while the needle is penetrating another loop; a latch.
Fly
The pair of arms revolving around the bobbin, in a spinning wheel or spinning frame, to twist the yarn.
Fly
A shuttle driven through the shed by a blow or jerk.
Fly
Formerly, the person who took the printed sheets from the press.
Fly
The outer canvas of a tent with double top, usually drawn over the ridgepole, but so extended as to touch the roof of the tent at no other place.
Fly
One of the upper screens of a stage in a theater.
Fly
The fore flap of a bootee; also, a lap on trousers, overcoats, etc., to conceal a row of buttons.
Fly
A batted ball that flies to a considerable distance, usually high in the air; also, the flight of a ball so struck; as, it was caught on the fly. Also called fly ball.
Fly
Waste cotton.
Fly
Knowing; wide awake; fully understanding another's meaning.
Fly
Two-winged insects characterized by active flight
Fly
Flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent
Fly
An opening in a garment that is closed by a zipper or buttons concealed by a fold of cloth
Fly
(baseball) a hit that flies up in the air
Fly
Fisherman's lure consisting of a fishhook decorated to look like an insect
Fly
Travel through the air; be airborne;
Man cannot fly
Fly
Move quickly or suddenly;
He flew about the place
Fly
Fly a plane
Fly
Transport by aeroplane;
We fly flowers from the Caribbean to North America
Fly
Cause to fly or float;
Fly a kite
Fly
Be dispersed or disseminated;
Rumors and accusations are flying
Fly
Change quickly from one emotional state to another;
Fly into a rage
Fly
Pass away rapidly;
Time flies like an arrow
Time fleeing beneath him
Fly
Travel in an airplane;
She is flying to Cincinnati tonight
Are we driving or flying?
Fly
Display in the air or cause to float;
Fly a kite
All nations fly their flags in front of the U.N.
Fly
Run away quickly;
He threw down his gun and fled
Fly
Travel over (an area of land or sea) in an aircraft;
Lindbergh was the first to fly the Atlantic
Fly
Hit a fly
Fly
Decrease rapidly and disappear;
The money vanished in las Vegas
All my stock assets have vaporized
Fly
(British informal) not to be deceived or hoodwinked
FAQs
What does it mean to fly?
Flying refers to moving through the air, often with wings or via some form of propulsion.
What does it mean to flee?
Fleeing means to run away from a place or situation because of danger, fear, or a threat.
Is fleeing always due to fear?
Primarily, yes. Fleeing is usually a response to fear, danger, or a direct threat to safety.
Can technology evolve to enable humans to fly naturally?
While technology can provide means like jetpacks or wingsuits for aerial movement, natural human flight without aids remains a subject of speculation and fantasy.
Can flying be metaphorical?
Yes, "fly" can be used metaphorically to describe something moving very fast, taking a direct route, or even the passing of time.
Do people fly in their dreams?
Yes, flying is a common dream motif, often symbolizing freedom, control, or escape from reality.
Can only living things flee?
Yes, typically only sentient beings like humans and animals flee as it involves a conscious decision to escape danger.
Do all animals that can move also flee?
Not all animals flee; some might choose to hide or defend themselves instead, depending on their nature and capabilities.
Is fleeing considered cowardly?
Fleeing is a survival tactic and not necessarily cowardly; it can be a practical response to overwhelming danger.
Can inanimate objects fly?
Yes, inanimate objects like airplanes and kites can fly, propelled by mechanisms or forces like wind.
Can fleeing ever be strategic?
Yes, strategic withdrawal or fleeing can be a tactical move in conflicts or dangerous situations to regroup or avoid casualties.
What's the fastest animal that flees from predators?
The cheetah is known for its speed and can rapidly flee from threats, although it's more renowned for its ability to chase down prey.
Is fleeing a choice?
Fleeing is often a reactive choice made in response to immediate danger, driven by instinct or a quick decision.
Can flying involve hovering or gliding?
Yes, flying can include various forms of aerial movement like soaring, gliding, and hovering, depending on the creature or object.
What innovations have been inspired by the study of flight?
Aerodynamics, bird flight, and insect wing movements have inspired innovations in aircraft design, drones, and even in sports equipment like golf balls.
Is fleeing a long-term action?
Fleeing is generally a short-term, immediate response to danger, intended to quickly move the individual to safety.
How do birds learn to fly?
Birds learn to fly instinctively, often with encouragement and assistance from their parents, starting with short flights from the nest.
Are there places where flying is prohibited?
Yes, there are restricted airspaces where flying, especially by aircraft, is limited or prohibited for safety or security reasons.
Do insects fly in the same way birds do?
Insects and birds both fly, but their methods differ due to anatomical differences, such as wing structure and flight mechanics.
Can fear of flying be overcome?
Yes, fear of flying, known as aviophobia, can be managed and often overcome with therapy, education, and gradual exposure to flying.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
