fly off
Come off something and go flying through the air; or leave somewhere quickly.
Meanings
Of an object, to become detached and move rapidly through the air.
"The cap flew off the bottle and hit the ceiling."
To leave a place hurriedly or abruptly.
"She flew off to catch her train before anyone could ask her more questions."
In the phrase 'fly off the handle,' to suddenly lose one's temper.
"He flew off the handle when he discovered the report had not been submitted."
In the phrase 'fly off the shelves,' to sell very quickly and in large quantities.
"Her debut novel flew off the shelves in the first week after publication."
Has several distinct senses: physical detachment (a lid flying off), rapid departure (she flew off to a meeting), and in the phrase 'fly off the handle,' losing one's temper. The expression 'fly off the shelves' means products are selling very quickly. Context distinguishes these senses clearly.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "fly off" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "fly off" on Looplines