# fly around

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fly-around
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The news is fly around." but "The news is flying around." — use the continuous form '-ing' when describing news that is currently spreading.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.