fly off

USAGE SUMMARY

"fly off" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something taking off in the air, such as a bird flying away, or an airplane taking off. For example, "Suddenly, the flock of birds flew off in the opposite direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The games would fly off the shelves.

The Economist

Beach romances fly off bookshelves.

The New York Times

Let's fly off in the Volocopter.

The Times

Then to fly off into the clouds.

The Guardian - Music

It was waiting to fly off.

The Guardian

Their conversations fly off the page.

The Guardian - Books

He's never gonna fly off me.

The Guardian

Etherized so wouldn't fly off set.

The New Yorker

But don't expect them to fly off the shelves everywhere.

The Economist

Anecdotes fly off the wheels of his larger narratives.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Call it fly-off-the-wall film-making.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fly off" to describe a sudden or rapid departure, whether literal (an object taking to the air) or figurative (someone losing their temper). Pay attention to the context to ensure it fits the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "fly off" to describe situations that do not involve movement or a sudden change of state. For example, it would be incorrect to say "The building will fly off" unless you literally mean it will become airborne.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "fly off" primarily functions as an intransitive verb, indicating a movement away from a place or state. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing physical departures and figurative expressions of losing control.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "fly off" is a common and versatile expression used to describe sudden departures, rapid movements, or the loss of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, demonstrating its general applicability. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of a quick or unexpected departure, and be mindful of the formality level, as it's generally neutral but less suitable for highly academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take flight

Implies a more formal or deliberate departure, often associated with aviation.

dart away

Describes a quick and nimble movement, like a small animal escaping.

zoom off

Indicates a very fast and often energetic departure.

bolt away

Suggests a sudden and rapid escape, often due to fear or surprise.

shoot off

Suggests a sudden and forceful departure, like being propelled.

speed away

Focuses on the high velocity of the departure.

rush off

Implies a hurried departure, often due to being busy.

hurry away

Emphasizes the speed of departure, highlighting the urgency.

make off

Indicates a secretive or illicit departure, often after committing a crime.

blast off

Specifically refers to the launch of a rocket or spacecraft.

FAQs

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

You can use "fly off" to describe something or someone departing quickly or suddenly, such as "The bird saw the cat and "flew off"" or "The shelf wasn't secured properly and the items "flew off" when the door slammed."

What does it mean when someone says something "flew off the handle"?

When someone "flies off the handle", it means they suddenly lose their temper or become uncontrollably angry. It's an idiomatic expression for losing emotional control.

What can I say instead of "the shelves" when something is selling quickly?

Instead of saying something "flies off the shelves", you can say it's "selling like hotcakes", "in high demand", or "selling out quickly."

What's the difference between "fly off" and "take off"?

While both can describe something leaving, "take off" generally refers to a planned or normal departure, especially for aircraft. "Fly off" often implies a more sudden, unexpected, or uncontrolled departure.