flit

Everyday

1. To flit is to move or fly quickly and lightly from one place to another, like a butterfly or a bird. tree →
2. If a thought or expression flits across your mind or face, it is there for a very short moment. tree →
3. (Scotland, northern England) To flit, or do a flit, is to move house; a «moonlight flit» is leaving secretly at night, often to avoid paying debts. tree →

In the lessons

In nature writing and poems, butterflies, bats and birds flit about. In stories, a smile flits across a face. A person who flits from one hobby to another never stays with one. Phrases: «flit about», «flit from… to…», «moonlight flit».

Examples

• Butterflies flitted between the flowers. tree →
• A bat flitted past the window. tree →
• A smile flitted across her face. tree →
• He flits from one hobby to another. tree →
• A strange thought flitted through my mind. tree →
• The family did a moonlight flit and left no address. tree →
• Gay colors were to be seen here, and a butterfly, too, was flitting by. tree →

Note

Spelling: double t in flitted, flitting. Short, light, quick movement; compare «float» (slow) and «dart» (fast and sharp).

In Jewish tradition

In nature writing and poems, butterflies, bats and birds flit about. In stories, a smile flits across a face. A person who flits from one hobby to another never stays with one. Phrases: «flit about», «flit from… to…», «moonlight flit».

Examples

• Flee ye, flit far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you. (Prophets JER.49.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Spelling: double t in flitted, flitting. Short, light, quick movement; compare «float» (slow) and «dart» (fast and sharp).