ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fly around

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to move quickly through the air in many directions, or to spread quickly from person to person like news or rumors.

phr. v.. to move or circulate rapidly within a specific area or community; often used figuratively for the rapid dissemination of information or ideas.


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.

Particles
around
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
fly + around
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.

© 2026 English Reference