PhrasesHub

Fly by night

    Definitions

      • unreliable or untrustworthy
        To describe a person or organization that is not dependable or trustworthy, often in the context of business dealings or financial transactions. Can also refer to something that is temporary or fleeting.

      • sudden or unexpected
        To indicate that something has happened suddenly or unexpectedly, often in a negative or undesirable way. Can also refer to something that is done quickly or without much thought or planning.

      • under the cover of darkness
        To describe something or someone that operates under the cover of darkness, often with a negative connotation. Can also refer to something that is done in secret or without others knowing.

    Examples of Fly by night

    • The company's accounting practices have been called into question, and some have accused them of flying by night.

      This idiom refers to someone or something that operates in a dishonest or secretive manner, especially at night. It suggests that the company's accounting practices are questionable and that they may be hiding something.

    • The thief slipped through the streets like a fly by night, leaving no trace behind.

      This idiom is used to describe someone moving quickly and stealthily, especially in the dark. It suggests that the thief was able to move undetected through the city.

    • The politician's promises were as empty as a fly by night's lantern.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is false or insubstantial. It suggests that the politician's promises were empty and meaningless, much like the lantern of a fly by night, which is used to light the way in the dark but is ultimately useless.

    • The salesman's pitch was as slick as a fly by night's wings.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is smooth and polished, but ultimately insubstantial. It suggests that the salesman's pitch was smooth and persuasive, but ultimately lacked substance.

    • The detective followed the trail of clues like a fly by night follows the moon.

      This idiom is used to describe someone moving quickly and persistently in pursuit of a goal. It suggests that the detective was following the trail of clues with determination and focus, much like a fly by night follows the moon in its nightly travels.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "fly by night" can have various meanings, but they all revolve around the idea of being unreliable, temporary, or secretive. It can be used to describe a person, organization, or action that lacks stability and trustworthiness, often with a negative connotation.

    In the context of business dealings, "fly by night" can be used to caution against engaging with an unreliable or untrustworthy individual or company. It can also be used to describe something that is temporary or fleeting, indicating that it may not last or provide long-term benefits.

    When used to describe a sudden or unexpected event, "fly by night" can convey a sense of surprise or disappointment. It can also be used to describe something that is done quickly or without much thought, often with negative consequences.

    Origin of "Fly by night"

    The origin of the idiom "fly by night" is believed to come from the practice of fraudulent businesses operating under the cover of darkness. These businesses would often set up shop at night and disappear by morning, hence the term "fly by night." This practice was common in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the idiom has since evolved to encompass a broader meaning.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the behavior of certain birds, such as owls and bats, that are active at night and appear to fly erratically. This erratic flight may have been associated with unreliability or unpredictability, leading to the use of "fly by night" to describe someone or something that is unreliable.

    Examples of the idiom can be found in literature, such as Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where Puck says, "And we will do anything, fly by night, for our king and queen." This use of the idiom reflects its original meaning of being deceptive or unreliable.