Question

What does the phrase "dropping like flies" mean?

2023-06-25

This is what goPenpal answered

Absolutely! The phrase "dropping like flies" is an idiom commonly used in conversational English. It's a vivid way to describe a situation where a large number of people or things are quickly diminishing or failing.

Imagine a swarm of flies buzzing around. Now, picture them falling to the ground, one after another. That's the essence of this phrase. It suggests a rapid decline or a significant loss in a short period of time.

For example, if you say, "During the heatwave, people in the city were dropping like flies," it means that many people were falling ill or even passing away due to the extreme heat. It emphasizes the severity and speed of the situation.

The phrase can be used in various contexts. It's often employed when referring to a quick succession of unfortunate events, such as employees leaving a struggling company, students failing a difficult exam, or a team losing members due to injuries.

Now, let me ask you: Can you think of any other idioms that describe a large number of things happening or changing quickly?

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