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3. fly in the face of

fly in the face of

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fly in the face of

To be or act in clear opposition to something else. I can't believe you said something so awful. It flies in the face of everything we stand for! Don't quit now, that just flies in the face of all your hard work.

See also: face, fly, of

fly in the face of someone or something

 and fly in the teeth of someone or something

Fig. to challenge someone or something; to go against someone or something. This idea flies in the face of everything we know about matter and energy. You had better not fly in the face of the committee.

See also: face, fly, of

fly in the face of something

to be the opposite of what is usual or accepted His decision to start his own business certainly flies in the face of good judgment.

See also: face, fly, of

fly in the face of something

  (slightly formal)

to be the opposite of what is usual or accepted These recommendations fly in the face of previous advice on safe limits for alcohol consumption.

See also: face, fly, of

fly in the face of

Also, fly in the teeth of. Act in direct opposition to or defiance of. For example, This decision flies in the face of all precedent, or They went out without permission, flying in the teeth of house rules. This metaphoric expression alludes to a physical attack. [Mid-1500s]

See also: face, fly, of