General
as the crow flies
What does as the crow flies mean?
Measured by the most direct route rather than by roads.
"It's five miles as the crow flies, but ten by the highway."
Origin
English idiom based on a crow flying straight to its destination.
Frequently asked questions
What does "as the crow flies" mean?
It means measured in a straight line—the most direct distance, rather than by winding roads.
Why a crow?
The idiom assumes a crow flies straight to its destination, giving the shortest path.
How do you use it?
Compare direct and road distance, e.g. "It's five miles as the crow flies, but ten by the highway."
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