Spanish fly
1
9.7
- noun
:
mosca española
- DID YOU SLIP HER SOME SPANISH FLY?
Examples
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The ancient texts described the dangers of consuming Spanish fly, which could cause serious blisters.
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That wasn't Spanish fly.
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- It's called a Spanish fly.
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Little something called Spanish fly.
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- It's called Spanish fly.
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Oh, Spanish fly, angel dust, PCP?
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Spanish fly.
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Spanish fly.
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Spanish fly.
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Spanish fly.
Synonyms
1
8.0
A beetle that makes a liquid that can cause blisters on the skin
Beetles that give off a poison that can cause blisters on skin
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally built from 'Spanish' + 'fly', so a learner who knows both words will infer it refers to an insect associated with Spain; that basic, literal sense is transparent. However, the specific denotation (a particular bright green blister‑causing beetle and its toxic/medicinal properties) is specialized and not predictable from the constituents, so full understanding requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Spanish fly names a small, bright green beetle first noted in Spain and southern Europe; people saw its body gives off a strong substance that 'causes blisters'. That's why the name refers to that toxic insect today.