What does “As the crow flies” mean?
"As the crow flies" means that the distance between two points is measured in a straight line, without taking into account any obstacles or detours.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The distance between the two cities is 100 miles as the crow flies.
Example
We could take a shortcut and get there as the crow flies.
Example
The hiking trail goes as the crow flies through the forest
Is “As the crow flies” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“As the crow flies” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “As the crow flies” effectively in context?
You can use "As the crow flies" to describe the shortest distance between two points, usually in a straight line. It emphasizes the directness and lack of obstacles or detours. For example, if someone asks for directions, you might say, 'The museum is 10 miles away "as the crow flies", but it might take longer by car due to traffic.'
- 1Navigation
The GPS shows that the destination is 20 miles away as the crow flies, but the actual driving distance is longer.
- 2Geography
The river flows as the crow flies through the valley, creating a natural boundary.
- 3Planning
The proposed highway will cut through the forest as the crow flies, reducing travel time for commuters.
Similar phrases to “As the crow flies”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “As the crow flies” come from?
The origin of the phrase "As the crow flies" is unknown.
Is “As the crow flies” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "As the crow flies" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used when discussing distances or directions, especially when comparing the straight-line distance to the actual travel distance.
What tone does “As the crow flies” have?
"As the crow flies" conveys a neutral tone. It is a factual expression used to describe the shortest distance between two points without any emotional connotations.
Can “As the crow flies” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "As the crow flies" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that is commonly used in conversations, written texts, and presentations to describe distances or directions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The airport is 50 miles away "as the crow flies".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's go "as the crow flies"!' to suggest taking a direct route.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- straight as an arrow
- directly
- in a beeline
- in a direct line
- by the shortest route
Antonyms
- taking the scenic route
- going the long way around
- following a winding path
- making detours
- taking a roundabout route
