On the fly
adverb
Doing something quickly as the situation changes, without planning.
I didn't have time to create a full report, so I just did it on the fly.
Often appears as...
- do something on the fly
- make decisions on the fly
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Something happens while someone or something is moving.
He caught the ball on the fly before it hit the ground.
Often appears as...
- catch on the fly
- hit on the fly
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Changing a computer system or software while it is still operating.
The system allows users to add or modify data on the fly without rebooting.
Often appears as...
- adjust on the fly
- update on the fly
Usage tips
Technical
adverb
Doing something quickly as the situation changes, without planning.
I didn't have time to create a full report, so I just did it on the fly.
Often appears as...
- do something on the fly
- make decisions on the fly
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverb
Something happens while someone or something is moving.
He caught the ball on the fly before it hit the ground.
Often appears as...
- catch on the fly
- hit on the fly
Usage tips
Colloquial
adverb
Changing a computer system or software while it is still operating.
The system allows users to add or modify data on the fly without rebooting.
Often appears as...
- adjust on the fly
- update on the fly
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Spontaneity Connotation
Conveys a sense of improvisation and quick thinking in an unplanned situation.
She crafted her speech on the fly and wowed the audience.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Pressure
Implies that there was not much time for preparation and the action was done hastily.
The chef prepared the dish on the fly during the sudden rush hour.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Use
More commonly used in casual or informal conversations, not in formal writing.
I'll have to call you back, I'm figuring things out on the fly here.
Pro Tip 1/3Spontaneity Connotation
Conveys a sense of improvisation and quick thinking in an unplanned situation.
She crafted her speech on the fly and wowed the audience.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Pressure
Implies that there was not much time for preparation and the action was done hastily.
The chef prepared the dish on the fly during the sudden rush hour.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Use
More commonly used in casual or informal conversations, not in formal writing.
I'll have to call you back, I'm figuring things out on the fly here.
Pro Tip 1/3Spontaneity Connotation
Conveys a sense of improvisation and quick thinking in an unplanned situation.
She crafted her speech on the fly and wowed the audience.
Pro Tip 2/3Time Pressure
Implies that there was not much time for preparation and the action was done hastily.
The chef prepared the dish on the fly during the sudden rush hour.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Use
More commonly used in casual or informal conversations, not in formal writing.
I'll have to call you back, I'm figuring things out on the fly here.
Never forget "On the fly"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension