# catch flies

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/catch-flies
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Close your mouth, or you will catch flies.
- He stared at the beautiful sunset with his mouth open, looking like he was catching flies.
- The young boy sat on the porch with his mouth agape, catching flies as he watched the storm clouds gather over the valley.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.