ENGLISH
REFERENCE

as the gull flies

idiom
Meaning

In a straight line distance between two locations, as opposed to the road distance or over land distance.


Origin

disputed origin

From the fact that whilst gulls fly to their source of food, their flight bypasses obstacles like rivers and terrain. Compare beeline.

Examples
SIMPLE

The town is only five miles away as the gull flies.

CONTEXTUAL

Although the mountain road is long and winding, the village is quite close as the gull flies.

COMPLEX

While the journey by train requires several hours of travel through the valley, the distance between the two cities is remarkably short as the gull flies.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    as the crow flies

    In a straight line distance between two locations, as opposed to the road distance or over land distance.

  2. 02

    catch flies

    To have one's mouth wide open for a prolonged period.

  3. 03

    drink with the flies

    To drink alcohol while alone.

  4. 04

    lord of the flies

    a ruler over a worthless kingdom; leader of a meaningless microcosm.

  5. 05

    no flies on

    No mental weaknesses, character defects, or other significant flaws belonging to.

  6. 06

    time flies

    Time passes quickly.

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