fly-by-night
2
8.9
- adjective
- /ˈflaɪ baɪ naɪt/
- Offensive
:
sinvergüenza (informal, ofensivo)
- Now is the time when fly-by-night, unregistered contractors will descend on storm-damaged areas, seeking to make a quick profit at the expense of homeowners.
- fly-by-night operation
- fly-by-night contractor
- fly-by-night company
However, we need to help folks understand how to discern the fly by night charlatans from the effective treatment programs.
- However, we need to help folks understand how to discern the fly by night charlatans from the effective treatment programs.
Examples
-
This is not some fly-by-night thing here.
-
I have complained to the landlord, and he had some fly-by-night pest control company come out.
Blog text (3) -
This is not a fly-by-night affair.
-
You 2 are just some fly-by-night operation looking to make a fast buck.
-
Baby, this ain't no fly-by-night operation.
-
Along comes this fly-by-night salesman and you're all taken in.
-
Of course, if they started as a fly-by-night operation, there probably wouldn't be much info out there.
Blog text (13) -
These aren't fly-by-night companies trying to do a scam here so they can collect a check if one of their employees dies.
-
"We don't want them to think that they're dealing with some fly-by-night operation."
Fiction book (1994) -
Many consumers have been scammed by fly-by-night companies that promise quick returns.
Synonyms
71
4.1
Not able to be trusted to work or be right
21
4.8
Not honest or reliable with promises
13
8.2
Likely to be unsafe or untrustworthy
3
4.7
Likely to fail or disappoint people
1
8.6
A little suspicious and not easy to trust
Not safe to depend on because they may fail or betray you
Antonyms
How Reliable
88
2.1
53
4.2
71
4.1
- Offensive
2
8.9
128
2.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word fly-by-night comes from the picture of someone who flies at night, slipping in and out while others sleep. That's why a fly-by-night company or person is called unreliable and likely to vanish or fail quickly.