fly it off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fly it off" is not commonly used in standard written English and may not be easily understood without context.
It could be used in informal contexts, possibly referring to the act of flying something away or removing it quickly. Example: "If the drone gets too close to the trees, just fly it off to the side to avoid a crash."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These bigger jets, Mr. Nisbet said, "are often bought by billionaires who can dole out $55 million for a plane and fly it off".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The British flag was hoisted over Belfast's City Hall on Wednesday for the first time since the decision not to fly it set off riots.

The New York Times

Continental Airlines, the first North American carrier that will fly it, showed it off on the exhibition floor on Monday.

The New York Times

It irritated me and I would often fly with it off".

The Guardian

It seizes up, it flies off, it suddenly flashes with extraneous matter.

The Guardian - Books

Even if it's fairly unlikely that much of anything will fly off, it will protect your eyes from dropped objects and any loose debris that chips off and falls.

WikiHow

Then I'd swoop by at super-speed with hot melted lead sludge, and wrap it around the Kryptonite to encase it so I can grab it and fly off with it.

Huffington Post

Brands must first be on the shelf before they can fly off it.

The Economist

So when a male gets lured by a hammer orchid, he grasps the labellum and attempts to simultaneously copulate with it and fly off with it.

BBC

Make sure you hold two fingers on the ring while mixing or it will fly off and it could cut you.

WikiHow

The controllers assigned to United Airlines Flight 175 on Tuesday suspected that it had been hijacked as it flew off its assigned route.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fly it off", ensure the context clearly implies actual flight or a very rapid departure. It's most effective in informal or narrative settings where a sense of speed or escape is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "fly it off" in formal or technical contexts where precise language is required. Alternatives like "remove", "transport", or "dispatch" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fly it off" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "fly" with the particle "off". It describes the action of removing something quickly, often suggesting a swift departure or escape. The Ludwig examples illustrate this usage in contexts involving physical movement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fly it off" is a phrasal verb that suggests the rapid removal or transportation of something, often with a sense of urgency or escape. Ludwig AI recognizes that the phrase is not commonly used in standard written English and should be used with caution. While it's acceptable in informal contexts, it's less appropriate for formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "take it away" or "send it off" may be suitable replacements depending on the desired level of formality. Therefore, consider the context carefully before using "fly it off" to ensure clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take it away

Emphasizes removal, especially by carrying.

whisk it away

Implies quick, almost magical removal.

carry it off

Focuses on successfully removing something, often overcoming obstacles.

send it off

Highlights the act of dispatching or sending something elsewhere.

airlift it out

Specifically denotes removal by air transport.

transport it away

A more formal way of saying to move something to another location.

ferry it off

Suggests removal via a regular transport service.

jet it away

Implies rapid removal by jet plane.

spirit it away

Suggests mysterious or clandestine removal.

smuggle it out

Implies secretive and illegal removal.

FAQs

How can I use "fly it off" in a sentence?

You can use "fly it off" to describe the act of quickly removing something by air or other means, such as, "If the drone gets too close, just fly it off to the side."

What does "fly it off" mean?

"Fly it off" typically means to quickly move something away, often implying flight or a similarly rapid departure. It can also suggest a hasty escape.

What can I say instead of "fly it off"?

Alternatives include "take it away", "send it off", or "remove it", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "fly it off" formal or informal?

"Fly it off" is generally considered informal. More formal alternatives would be "transport it", "dispatch it", or "relocate it".