Flow and Fly

A. FLOW - FLOWED - FLOWED

1. move along smoothly

Rivers flow into the sea.

Traffic flows.

Tears flowed from her eyes.

Prosperity flows out from the country.

2. hang down loosely (usually of hair or clothes)

Her shiny hair was flowing down her back.

3. be the result of

Progress flows from hard work.

 

B. FLY - FLEW - FLOWN

1. move through the air as a bird does

We're flying to London tomorrow morning.

Birds shouldn't live in a cage. They should fly free in the sky.

2. move quickly, rush along

The door flew open.

Mary flew down the stairs to meet her friends.

Time flies!

C. IDIOMS WITH FLY

1. fly high = be ambitious

He's been flying high ever since he graduated from university.

2. The bird has flown = the person wanted has left or escaped

It's no use looking for the thief any more. The bird has flown.

3. as the crow flies = in a straight line

It's only 10 miles from here as the crow flies.

4. go fly a kite = used to tell someone who is annoying you to go away

I've had enough of this conversation. Go fly a kite!

5. the feathers fly = cause fighting / an argument

The feathers will fly when your father finds out that you've been playing truant again!

6. when pigs fly = used to say that something will never happen.

A- I've lent John some money but he promised to pay me back soon.

B- Sure! When pigs fly!