As the crow flies
Meaning
This phrase describes the shortest and most direct route between two points, disregarding any obstacles like roads, rivers, or terrain.
Origin
Crows are renowned for their remarkably direct flight paths when traveling between two points, soaring over fields, forests, and houses without deviation. This keen observation of their straight-line journeys, often contrasted with the meandering routes humans must take on roads or trails, gave rise to the phrase. While the precise origin is difficult to pinpoint, the saying gained widespread popularity in the early 19th century, particularly in England, as a vivid and poetic way to describe the most unhindered distance, free from any terrestrial obstacles.
Examples
- It's only five miles to the lake as the crow flies, but the winding mountain road makes it closer to fifteen.
- The new pipeline will run directly across the land, covering the distance from the refinery to the port as the crow flies.