Hi, everybody.
What does it mean to say "No flies on you" and when is it appropriate to say it?
Can anyone help? Please?
What does it mean to say "No flies on you" and when is it appropriate to say it?
Can anyone help? Please?
It is very informal, so only say it humorously to friends. 'There are no flies on you' means that 'you are very eager to accomplish' whatever task is under discussion, 'you are quick to act' in taking advantage of a situation.
If two young men are sitting in a restaurant, and an attractive young lady enters unattended, one of the two young men might go over and start a casual conversation with her; on his return, his friend might say, 'there's no flies on you, you didn't let the opportunity pass!'
The image of the idiom is an animal which does not allow flying insects to alight on its body, by switching its tail or otherwise remaining very active.
If two young men are sitting in a restaurant, and an attractive young lady enters unattended, one of the two young men might go over and start a casual conversation with her; on his return, his friend might say, 'there's no flies on you, you didn't let the opportunity pass!'
The image of the idiom is an animal which does not allow flying insects to alight on its body, by switching its tail or otherwise remaining very active.
Comments
It's used to imply that someone is not 'the sharpest tool in the shed.' It is used sarcastically when someone says something stupid or is a bit slow to catch on...
Hope this helps
What do others have to say?
Kajjo
I agree with the meanings by Mr M, but I also use it to commend how clever/alert someone is.
For example, somebody tries, unsuccessfully, to pull the wool over a friend's eyes - I would say to my friend - there are no flies on you!
You can also use - there are no flies on me/him/her/us/them