flies

flies · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of fly; small winged insects, especially common houseflies.

  2. 2.

    Third person singular present tense of the verb fly.

  3. 3.

    (also "the flies") The front opening of trousers, typically closed with a zipper or buttons.

  4. 4.

    (theater) The space above a stage where scenery is kept.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    no flies on someone — someone is clever and alert
  • •
    drop like flies — to collapse or die in large numbers
  • •
    time flies — time passes quickly
  • •
    wouldn't hurt a fly — describes a gentle person

Related words

See also: fly, insect, pest
Synonyms: insects, pests

Etymology

Plural of "fly," from Old English fleoge ("fly, winged insect"), from the verb fleogan ("to fly").