fly on the wall

Are you using the idiom fly on the wall but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the fly on the wall idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "fly on the wall"

Meaning

The phrase “fly on the wall” is an idiom which is used to describe a person who is able to observe a situation or event without taking part in it. Being a “fly on the wall” means you can watch unseen and hear unheard what is going on without being noticed and without influencing the outcome of the situation.

Etymology

The idiom “fly on the wall” is thought to have first appeared in the 18th century. The idea behind the phrase is that a fly is small enough to go unnoticed but can still see what is going on around it. It is also believed to be related to the Latin phrase “auscultare peregrinum” which means to listen from afar.

Usage

The idiom “fly on the wall” is used to describe a person who can observe a situation or event without taking part in it. Being a “fly on the wall” allows you to observe what is going on without being noticed and without influencing the outcome of the situation. It can also be used to describe someone who is able to gain access to privileged information or to a place where they are not supposed to be.

Example Sentences

• I’d love to be a fly on the wall during that meeting to see what really happens.
• He’s like a fly on the wall in the boardroom, always looking for ways to advance his career.
• If I was a fly on the wall, I could find out who’s guilty.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.