ON THE FLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does on the fly mean? 

• ON THE FLY (adverb)
  The adverb ON THE FLY has 2 senses:

1. while in motion

2. on the run or in a hurry

  Familiarity information: ON THE FLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ON THE FLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

While in motion

Context example:

he caught the punt on the fly

Sense 2

Meaning:

On the run or in a hurry

Synonyms:

hurridly; on the fly

Context example:

she wrote those letters on the fly

 Context examples 

The material could enable a range of new applications from gripper arms for delicate or heavy objects to antennas that change frequencies on the fly.

(Tiny magnetic particles enable new material to bend, twist and grab, National Science Foundation)