on the wing
on the wing
Of a bird, in flight or while flying. New research shows that some species of birds can actually sleep on the wing. Birders stand on that viewing platform to watch birds on the wing during their southward migration.
See also: on, wing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the wing
Fig. while flying; while in flight. (Usually refers to birds, fowl, etc., not people or planes.) There is nothing as pretty as a bird on the wing. The hawk caught the sparrow on the wing.
See also: on, wing
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on the wing
1. In flight, usually referring to a bird as opposed to a plane. For example, Louise is very good at identifying birds on the wing. [Late 1400s]
2. Active, in motion, as in Coaches are always on the wing, trying to recruit talented athletes. This usage may be obsolescent. [c. 1500]
See also: on, wing
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the ˈwing
(literary) (of a bird) flyingSee also: on, wing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on the wing
In flight; flying.
See also: on, wing
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- fly away
- fly off
- (not) a dicky bird
- dicky
- flush the birds out of the bushes
- fly off with
- fly off with (someone or something)
- bird watcher
- a box of birds
- our feathered friends