As the crow flies

usgb
adverb

In a straight line, or the shortest distance between two points.

The next town is only 10 miles away as the crow flies, but it's 15 miles by road.
Visual representation of "as the crow flies" - In a straight line, or the shortest distance between two points.

Often appears as...

  • distance as the crow flies
  • direction as the crow flies

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "as the crow flies"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Geographic Distance

Used to describe the shortest path between two points on a map, not considering roads or obstacles.

Illustration for Geographic Distance
My school is about 5 miles away from my house as the crow flies.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's not about actual crows flying; it's a figurative way to express distance.

Illustration for Not Literal
The lake is 2 miles from here as the crow flies, though there's no direct path.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Comparing Routes

Highlights the difference between direct distance and the actual travel distance.

Illustration for Comparing Routes
It's 30 miles as the crow flies to the city, but 40 miles when driving.
Visual representation of the word "As the crow flies"

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