Phrasal verb
fly around
Definition
phrasal verb. to move quickly through the air in many directions, or to spread quickly from person to person like news or rumors.
phrasal verb. to move or circulate rapidly within a specific area or community; often used figuratively for the rapid dissemination of information or ideas.
Examples
“Rumors are flying around the office about the new boss.”
“Birds were flying around the garden while we tried to eat our lunch outside.”
“Accusations began to fly around the courtroom as the witness struggled to maintain a consistent version of the events.”
Examples
simple
“Rumors are flying around the office about the new boss.”
contextual
“Birds were flying around the garden while we tried to eat our lunch outside.”
complex
“Accusations began to fly around the courtroom as the witness struggled to maintain a consistent version of the events.”
Usage
often used with plural subjects like 'rumors', 'stories', or 'ideas'.
Teaching tip
help students see the connection between the literal movement of insects or birds and the metaphorical 'speed' of gossip in a social group.
Pitfall
The news is fly around.
The news is flying around.
use the continuous form '-ing' when describing news that is currently spreading.
Phrasal verb
Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fly + around
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/fly-around