What is the origin of the phrase fly-by-night?

fly-by-night (n.) 1796, slang, said by Grose to be an old term of reproach to a woman signifying that she was a witch; used from 1823 in reference to anyone who departs hastily from a recent activity, especially while owing money. The different senses involve the two verbs fly.

What does fly-by-night mean slang?

One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc. Do not give your credit card number to that fly-by-night operation. noun. (idiomatic, derogatory) A person or business that appears and disappears rapidly, or gives an impression of transience.

What is a fly-by-night product or approach?

Fly-by-night operations are individuals or companies that offer investment services. without being authorized to do so. The correct expression therefore is “unauthorized or. unregistered companies”.

What is a fly by night company?

a fly-by-night business or worker does not offer good products or services and is likely to avoid paying debts or satisfying agreements by leaving the area: fly-by-night companies/contractors/operators.

What is the meaning of Chequered career?

A background that includes many changes, especially of employment. For example, Heather’s had a checkered career, hopping from one city to another and one job to another. This expression, first recorded in 1881, uses checkered in the sense of “constantly alternating,” much like the squares on a checkerboard.

What is dime a dozen?

See synonyms for dime a dozen on Thesaurus.com. So plentiful as to be valueless. For example, Don’t bother to buy one of these—they’re a dime a dozen.

Did the accused lie through her teeth meaning?

informal. to tell someone something that you know is completely false: He asked me how old I was and, lying through my teeth, I said “29”.

What is fly-by-night companies?

uk. us. a fly-by-night business or worker does not offer good products or services and is likely to avoid paying debts or satisfying agreements by leaving the area: fly-by-night companies/contractors/operators.

What does flying by the seat of my pants mean?

to do something difficult without the necessary skill or experience: I had no idea how to do it – I was just flying by the seat of my pants.

Why do I keep seeing flies everywhere?

Flies are seen as harbingers of disaster, heralds of death. Seeing a swarm of flies might mean the need to kill the harmful irritations in life. The biblical meaning of flies swarming around you may also symbolize dullness in your life. No movement, no development in your life; it is similar to death.

What does treading on someone’s toes mean?

Definition of tread on (someone’s) toes : to do something that upsets or offends (someone) You might tread on some important people’s toes with this project.