fly by
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle by
Meanings
Travel past quickly through the air
Why “by”? Something moves near a point and continues past it.
“A jet flew by overhead.”
“A drone flew by the window.”
Of time, pass extremely quickly
Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.
“The afternoon flew by.”
“The week before exams flew by.”
Don't confuse with
Fly by means travel past quickly through the air. Fly away means depart by air or rapidly.
Test yourself
“A jet flew by overhead.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
fly away
A contrast learners often mix up
Depart by air or rapidly
drive by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past a place in a vehicle
go by
Same by pattern: time passing
Of time, pass or elapse; Use a rule, name, or evidence as your guide; Use a particular name
pass by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past a point without stopping; Of an opportunity or time, go past without being used
roll by
Same by pattern: time passing
Of time, pass smoothly and continuously
run by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past on foot at speed; Present an idea to someone and ask for their opinion
rush by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past at speed in a hurry
sail by
Same by pattern: passing
Move past gracefully or apparently without effort
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