fly in the face of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fly in the face of’ mean?
An idiom that means to go against or defy something, often in a defiant or bold manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "stick it to the man" means to rebel against authority or challenge the status quo in a defiant or confrontational manner.
The idiom "kick against the pricks" is an interesting and somewhat enigmatic expression with ancient Greek origins. It is derived from a line in the play "The Bacchae" by Euripides in the 5th century BC. Later translated into Latin as "calcitrare in aspidem," the idiom gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages.
The idiom *in your face* means to confront someone with something aggressively or boldly, often to provoke a reaction. It implies direct and unapologetic behavior, disregarding social boundaries.
The idiom "in spite of" means to do something or have a result that goes against or contradicts a particular situation or circumstance. It implies the ability to overcome obstacles or challenges, despite unfavorable conditions or opposition.
The idiom *hold firm* means to remain determined and steadfast in one's position or belief, especially in the face of opposition or difficulties.
The idiom "have other ideas" means to disagree or have a different plan or opinion than what has been suggested or expected.
An idiom meaning to continue to promote or pursue something that is already doomed to failure, often out of stubbornness or ignorance.
The idiom "fight shy of" means to avoid or be hesitant towards something due to fear, caution or reluctance.
In the English language, the idiom "fight shy of" is commonly used to express hesitation or reluctance. It conveys the idea of actively avoiding or staying away from a particular situation, person, or thing. The idiom often implies a sense of self-preservation or the desire to avoid potential harm or negative consequences.
Hidden Rebellion
The idiom "against the grain" is closely related to "fly in the face of." It shares a similar meaning, as both idioms convey the concept of opposing or going against the widely accepted norm. However, "against the grain" specifically implies resistance or rebellion against established customs, traditions, or conventions. While "fly in the face of" can be applied to a broader range of contexts, "against the grain" is often used to describe actions that challenge societal expectations or norms.
An example of the usage of "against the grain" can be found in the realm of art and creativity. Artists who choose to explore unconventional techniques or subject matters, deviating from mainstream trends, can be said to be going against the grain. They defy expectations and create their own unique path, challenging the established norms and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Similarly, the idiom "buck the trend" shares a similar meaning with "fly in the face of" and "against the grain." It refers to when someone or something goes against the prevailing trend or pattern. It implies nonconformity and a willingness to take a different path, even when it may be unpopular or contrary to what others are doing.
An example of the usage of "buck the trend" can be seen in the business world. Companies or entrepreneurs that choose to innovate and take risks, even when it goes against the prevailing industry practices, may be said to be bucking the trend. They are willing to go against the grain and challenge established ways of doing business, often leading to success and groundbreaking achievements.
The idioms "against the grain" and "buck the trend" are closely related to "fly in the face of" as they all capture the essence of defiance, opposition, and nonconformity. While "fly in the face of" emphasizes the direct confrontation with widely accepted beliefs or expectations, "against the grain" and "buck the trend" focus on the resistance against established customs or prevailing trends. These idioms serve to highlight acts of rebellion, individuality, and the courage to go against popular opinion.
The idiom "fly in the face of" is commonly used to describe acts of defiance or opposition that directly contradict widely accepted beliefs, expectations, or conventions. Its origins in falconry emphasize the concept of direct confrontation and rebellion against established norms. This idiom is closely related to the idioms "against the grain" and "buck the trend," which share similar meanings and highlight acts of nonconformity and rebellion. Together, these idioms serve as vivid expressions of defiance, courage, and the willingness to challenge established ideas and norms.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "fly in the face of" can be used in a sentence:
- Her decision to drop out of college and pursue her passion for photography flies in the face of her parents' expectation for her to become a doctor.
- The company's decision to ignore safety regulations and prioritize profit flies in the face of their commitment to customer well-being.
- The politician's proposal to increase taxes on the middle class flies in the face of their promises to reduce the financial burden on working families.
More "Contradiction" idioms
