# fly in the face of

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fly-in-the-face-of
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act in a manner highly contrary to; to counteract or contradict.

## Examples

- Your new plan flies in the face of our company rules.
- The scientist published data that flies in the face of what everyone previously believed about the disease.
- His decision to ignore the safety warnings flies in the face of all established protocols, putting the entire project at unnecessary risk.

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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.