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on the wing

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ɑn ðə ˈwɪŋ/ · UK /ɒn ðə ˈwɪŋ/

on the wing means: While flying through the air.

phrase

IN FLIGHTC1

While flying through the air.

  • Swallows catch insects on the wing.
  • We watched the geese on the wing.
  • The young birds can now feed on the wing.

Similar words: in flight, airborne

Common phrases: birds on the wing, on the wing feeding

IN MOTIONC2

Moving or travelling from place to place.

  • The travellers were on the wing again.
  • He was always on the wing, moving between towns.
  • Their restless life kept them on the wing.

Similar words: on the move, in motion

Opposites: stationary

Common phrases: always on the wing, travellers on the wing

WHILE OPERATINGC2

While an activity or system is already running.

  • We adjusted the plan on the wing.
  • The team solved problems on the wing as work continued.
  • Changes made on the wing kept the operation running.

Similar words: on the fly

Common phrases: changes on the wing, on the wing adjustments

DEPARTINGC2

Leaving a place or getting ready to leave.

  • Our guests are on the wing.
  • With bags packed, she was on the wing by dawn.
  • We shall be on the wing tomorrow morning.

Similar words: departing, leaving

Opposites: arriving

Common phrases: already on the wing, on the wing tomorrow

Questions about on the wing

What does on the wing mean?

While flying through the air.

What is on the wing in other languages?

Türkçe: uçarken · Español: en vuelo · Français: en vol · Deutsch: im Flug · Italiano: in volo · 日本語: 飛行中に

How do you pronounce on the wing?

In American English /ɑn ðə ˈwɪŋ/; in British English /ɒn ðə ˈwɪŋ/.

How do you use on the wing in a sentence?

Swallows catch insects on the wing. We watched the geese on the wing.

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on the wing in other languages

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