Fly in the face of definitions
| Word backwards | ylf ni eht ecaf fo |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | In this phrase, the word "fly" is a verb, specifically an idiom meaning to oppose or contradict directly. |
| Syllabic division | fly in the face of: fly / in / the / face / of |
| Plural | The plural of "fly in the face of" is "flies in the face of." |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (4) | i,e,a,o |
| Consonants (7) | f,l,y,n,t,h,c |
Fly in the Face Of: The Meaning and Origin of this Idiomatic Expression
Fly in the face of is an idiomatic expression that means to openly challenge or defy something. It is often used to describe a situation where a person or group goes against established norms, rules, or expectations.
Fly typically refers to the act of moving through the air, while face refers to the front part of the head where features such as the eyes, nose, and mouth are located. When combined, the expression conveys the image of directly confronting or challenging something.
Origin of the Phrase
The origins of the phrase can be traced back to the early 19th century. It is believed to have first appeared in English literature during this time, although the exact source is unclear. The phrase's roots are likely in the idea of flying directly at someone's face in a confrontational or provocative manner.
Usage in Modern Context
In contemporary usage, fly in the face of is commonly employed in both formal and informal settings to describe acts of rebellion, defiance, or opposition. It is often used to highlight instances where individuals or groups choose to go against the status quo or established authority.
Overall, the expression fly in the face of continues to be a powerful and evocative way to convey the idea of challenging conventions or confronting obstacles head-on.
Fly in the face of Examples
- The decision to cancel the project seemed to fly in the face of all our hard work.
- Her rebellious behavior continued to fly in the face of authority.
- Ignoring safety regulations was a clear example of flying in the face of common sense.
- His extravagant spending habits often flew in the face of his financial goals.
- The new company policy seemed to fly in the face of employee morale.
- Choosing to pursue a career in art history may fly in the face of societal expectations.
- The company's decision to cut employee benefits flies in the face of their commitment to work-life balance.
- Her optimistic outlook seemed to fly in the face of all the negative news.
- The company's decision to downsize flies in the face of their previous promises of job security.
- His lack of preparation for the exam flies in the face of his desire to excel academically.