as the gull flies: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘as the gull flies’ mean?
The idiom "as the gull flies" means to measure the distance between two points in a straight line, disregarding any obstacles or deviations that may exist along the way.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "go with the wind" means to be unpredictable or easily swayed by circumstances, lacking firmness or commitment.
The idiom "go the way of the dodo bird" means to become extinct or disappear completely, like the dodo bird did several centuries ago. It implies that something or someone is on the path towards total disappearance or obsolescence.
The idiom "go the way of" means to follow the same path or fate as something or someone, usually implying that the outcome will not be favorable or will result in obsolescence or extinction.
"Go the distance" means to complete a task or achieve a goal, even if it requires great effort or perseverance.
The idiom "go so far as" means to do or say something extreme or extreme action, often implying that it is beyond what is expected or necessary.
The idiom "go nowhere fast" means to make no progress or achieve no results despite putting in a lot of effort or time.
The idiom "gone with the wind" means to disappear or be completely lost, often without any trace or indication of where or how it happened.
The idiom "go fly a kite" is an informal way of telling someone to go away or to leave you alone, often used when you are annoyed or frustrated with them.
The idiom "go far" means to achieve great success or make significant progress in one's endeavors or career.
The idiom "get there" means to achieve a goal or reach a desired destination. It implies successfully completing a task or journey.
Mystical Gull's Trajectory
As the gull flies is an idiom used to describe the shortest or most direct route between two points. This phrase is often used when talking about distance or travel. The phrase draws on the flight pattern of seagulls, who tend to fly in a straight line between two points without any detours or deviations.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the late 18th or early 19th century. It is believed that the behavior of seagulls, known for their ability to navigate in a straight line over long distances, might have inspired this phrase. Seagulls often navigate using landmarks or their instinct, flying in a direct path to their destination.
The idiom "as the crow flies" is closely related to "as the gull flies". Both idioms describe the shortest or most direct route between two points. While "as the crow flies" refers to the straight path taken by crows, "as the gull flies" specifically references seagulls.
When using the idiom "as the gull flies", one typically aims to emphasize the simplicity and directness of a route. It is often used when giving directions or describing the most efficient way to reach a destination. By using this idiom, speakers highlight the straightforwardness of the path, contrasting it with more meandering or complicated routes that may take longer to reach the intended location.
What's interesting about the idiom "as the gull flies" is its casual nature and widespread usage. It is a phrase commonly used in everyday conversations by English speakers. You can come across it in various contexts, including literature, travel guides, and informal discussions. The usage of this idiom reflects its familiarity and popularity among English speakers.
While "as the gull flies" is predominantly used in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, it is worth noting that its usage is not limited to these regions. The idiom may vary in different English-speaking parts of the world. Regardless of the location, this idiom adds color and evokes imagery in conversations, conjuring the graceful flight of seagulls as a metaphor for efficiency and simplicity.
The idiom "as the gull flies" has firmly established itself in the English language and is likely to continue being used for years to come. It offers a unique and vivid way to express the concept of the shortest or most direct route, capturing the imagination with its whimsical imagery. Next time you're discussing travel or distance, consider using this idiom to vividly convey the simplicity and directness of the route, just like a gull in flight.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "as the gull flies" can be used in a sentence:
- She decided to take a shortcut and walk "as the gull flies" to her destination.
- The distance between the two cities is longer "as the gull flies" compared to the driving route.
- Due to various obstacles, the actual travel time took longer than expected, even though "as the gull flies" it should have been a quick journey.
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