fly-by-night

1 of 2

noun

ˈflī-bī-ˌnīt

: one that seeks to evade responsibilities and especially creditors by flight

: one without established reputation or standing

especially : a shaky business enterprise

fly-by-night

2 of 2

: given to making a quick profit usually by shady or irresponsible acts

: transitory, passing

fly-by-night fashions

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of fly-by-night was in 1822

See more words from the same year

Style

“Fly-by-night.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fly-by-night. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

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