# fly into

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to suddenly become very angry or enter a strong emotional state.

For teachers: to enter a specified state or emotion suddenly and with intensity; typically used with nouns like 'rage', 'passion', or 'panic'.

## Examples

- He will fly into a rage if you touch his car.
- The manager flew into a panic when he realized the important files were missing from the server.
- Upon hearing the news of the betrayal, the king flew into a towering passion, ordering the immediate arrest of his advisors.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She flew into angry." but "She flew into a rage." — the phrase must be followed by a noun or noun phrase, not an adjective.

## Usage notes

- almost always followed by a noun representing a strong negative emotion like 'rage', 'temper', or 'panic'.
- Teaching tip: this is a metaphorical extension of physical movement; focus on the speed and lack of control implied by 'fly' to help students remember the intensity.

---

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.