fly-bitten
Definition
Adjective: fly-bitten describes something that has been bitten or damaged by flies, often leaving small marks or blemishes. It can also refer to something that is infested with fly eggs or larvae, as flies may lay eggs on surfaces or organic matter.
Usage Examples
- (The fruit showed damage from fly bites.)
- (The meat had been contaminated by flies.)
- (The wool had been damaged by fly infestations.)
Advanced Usage
- "fly-bitten reputation": a figurative use meaning a reputation that has been tarnished or spoiled, similar to how flies spoil food.
- After the scandal, his once-pristine career became fly-bitten. (His reputation was damaged and marred.)
Variants and Related Words
Fly (n): a common insect that often bites or contaminates surfaces.
- The fly landed on the cake and left a mark. (The insect was the cause of the damage.)
Bitten (adj): past participle of "bite," meaning damaged or marked by teeth or a stinger.
- The apple was bitten by a worm. (The apple had a bite mark.)
Synonyms
Infested: overrun with pests or insects.
- The grain was infested with weevils. (The grain was damaged by insects.)
Blemished: marked or spoiled by imperfections.
- The fly-bitten fruit was blemished and unsellable. (The fruit had visible damage.)
Related Idioms
"A fly in the ointment": a small but irritating flaw that spoils something otherwise perfect.
- The fly-bitten spot on the painting was a fly in the ointment for the collector. (The flaw ruined the perfection.)
"Like flies to honey": describing something that attracts unwanted attention or pests.
- The fly-bitten meat attracted flies like flies to honey. (The meat drew insects rapidly.)