Definition

Verb phrase: 1. To be very successful, prosperous, or at the peak of one's achievements: This sense describes a state of great success, often in a career, business, or period of life. 2. To be extremely happy, excited, or elated: This sense describes a state of intense joy or euphoria.

Usage and Examples

The phrase "fly high" is used to describe a state of being.

• To be very successful:

  • After years of hard work, her tech startup is finally flying high.
  • The company flew high throughout the 1990s before the market changed.

• To be extremely happy/elated:

  • He was flying high after receiving the promotion.
  • The team flew high with excitement after winning the championship.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• The phrase often implies a temporary or peak state. Success or elation may not be permanent.
• It can carry a slight metaphorical connotation of being above normal circumstances, similar to an aircraft in flight.
• "To be flying high" is a very common continuous form, describing an ongoing state of success or happiness.

Variants and Related Words

• High-flyer (noun): A person who is or has the potential to be very successful, especially in their career.
  • The management program is designed for young high-flyers.
• Soar (verb): To rise or increase dramatically. While similar, "soar" focuses more on the action of rising quickly, whereas "fly high" describes the sustained state of being at a peak.
  • Profits soared after the product launch.

Synonyms

• For success: Thrive, prosper, excel, be at the top, be on top of the world.
• For elation: Be elated, be overjoyed, be ecstatic, be on cloud nine, be in seventh heaven.

Related Idioms

• On a high: Experiencing a feeling of great happiness or excitement. This is very close in meaning to the elation sense of "fly high."
  • She's been on a high ever since she got the good news.
• Ride high: To be very successful or popular. This is very close in meaning to the success sense of "fly high."
  • The government is riding high in the opinion polls.

Verb

1. make steady progress; be at the high point in one's career or reach a high point in historical significance or importance
   • The new student is thriving
2. be elated
   • He was flying high during the summer months