Phrase guide

fly in the face of

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To act in a manner highly contrary to; to counteract or contradict.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The new design is very edgy and certainly flies in the face of tradition.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

go against

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This action flies in the face of the agreement

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: fly in the teeth of

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: violate, go against, break

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.