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- on the wing
on the wing
on the wing
Fig. while flying; while in flight. (Usually refers to birds, fowl, etc., not people or planes.) There is nothing as pretty as a bird on the wing. The hawk caught the sparrow on the wing.
on the wing
in motion
He started to run, but a rifle shot caught him on the wing. Usage notes: based on the literal meaning of on the wing (flying): The sight of so many enormous birds on the wing filled me with awe.
on the wing
1. In flight, usually referring to a bird as opposed to a plane. For example, Louise is very good at identifying birds on the wing. [Late 1400s]
2. Active, in motion, as in Coaches are always on the wing, trying to recruit talented athletes. This usage may be obsolescent. [c. 1500]
on the wing
In flight; flying.