High-flying
Meaning
Achieving great success or having ambitious goals and a rapid rise in prominence.
Origin
The phrase "high-flying" draws its vivid imagery from the natural world, evoking birds soaring effortlessly above the earth, reaching impressive heights. This powerful visual metaphor has long been associated with freedom, aspiration, and supremacy. While the concept of aspiring to 'fly high' is ancient, the specific compound adjective "high-flying" began to be widely applied to exceptionally successful and ambitious people, companies, or endeavors in the 20th century. It became a succinct way to describe individuals or entities making rapid progress and achieving significant accomplishments, reflecting a modern cultural emphasis on upward mobility and impressive professional trajectories.
Examples
- The high-flying tech startup secured another round of funding, proving its innovative approach was resonating with investors.
- After years of dedication, she became a high-flying executive, leading major projects for the international corporation.