flying high
Meaning
Feeling very happy, confident, or successful; doing extremely well.
Origin
Originally linked to literal high flight (birds/planes). Figuratively, “high” came to signal elation or success, so “flying high” evokes being uplifted and thriving.
Notes
Often positive (thriving, elated), but can imply someone is getting carried away. Fairly informal and common in speech and headlines.
Examples
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After the promotion, Maya was flying high for the rest of the week.
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Their startup is flying high after landing its biggest client.
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He was flying high until the bad news arrived and brought him back down to earth.
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With three wins in a row, the team is flying high heading into the finals.
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She’s been flying high since her novel hit the bestseller list.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Commonly used with forms of “be” (be flying high) or as a participle phrase (flying high after…). Tense changes via the verb “be” (was/were flying high). Can also describe a company/market in headlines.
Synonyms
- on top of the world
- over the moon
- riding high
- walking on air
Antonyms
- down in the dumps
- feeling low
- downhearted