Die/fall/drop like flies

usgb
phrase

Many people or things dying, falling ill, or disappearing rapidly.

During the flu season, people were falling like flies.
Visual representation of "die/fall/drop like flies" - Many people or things dying, falling ill, or disappearing rapidly

Often appears as...

  • people drop like flies
  • soldiers fell like flies

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "die/fall/drop like flies"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Extinction

Used metaphorically for the rapid decrease or ending of something.

Illustration for Metaphoric Extinction
After the new policy, old practices died like flies.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

Doesn't always mean death; can refer to dropping out or rapid decline.

Illustration for Not Literal
Since the new console's release, traditional games are falling like flies.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Hyperbolic Expression

Often used to exaggerate a situation for effect, not to be taken literally.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
When the band cancelled, fans left the venue like flies.
Visual representation of the word "Die/fall/drop like flies"

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