fly by

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle by

Meanings

1

Travel past quickly through the air

Passing

Why “by”? Something moves near a point and continues past it.

“A jet flew by overhead.”
A jet flew past overhead at speed.
“A drone flew by the window.”
A drone flew past the window at speed.
2

Of time, pass extremely quickly

Time Passing

Why “by”? Time passes the same way. Moments stream past and are gone.

“The afternoon flew by.”
The afternoon passed extremely quickly.
“The week before exams flew by.”
The week before exams passed very quickly.

Don't confuse with

fly byfly away

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

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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