fling
C1Informal
Definition
Meaning
To throw or move something quickly and forcefully, often with a lack of care.
To engage in a brief, passionate, and usually casual romantic or sexual relationship. Can also refer to a short period of unrestrained enjoyment or activity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun often implies a lack of seriousness or commitment; the verb implies vigorous, energetic, or careless motion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use 'fling' similarly, but 'fling' as a noun (meaning casual relationship) might be slightly more common in US media/cultural discourse.
Connotations
Equally informal in both varieties. Can have playful, reckless, or slightly disapproving connotations depending on context.
Frequency
Medium frequency in both. Common in spoken and informal written contexts, less common in formal prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
fling something + prep. (fling into/out of/across)fling + DO + ADJ (fling open)fling oneself + prep. (fling oneself into/at/on)have + a + flingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fling caution to the wind”
- “have a last fling”
- “fling mud at someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Possibly metaphorical: 'The company decided to fling caution to the wind and invest heavily.'
Academic
Very rare, except perhaps in literary analysis (e.g., 'The character flings himself into despair').
Everyday
Common for physical actions ('He flung his bag on the sofa') and informal talk about relationships ('They had a holiday fling').
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He flung his wellies into the boot of the car.
- In frustration, she flung the report across her desk.
- They're going to fling a party for the jubilee.
American English
- He flung his backpack on the couch and headed to the fridge.
- Fling the ball to first base!
- She decided to fling caution to the wind and quit her job.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The boy flung the stone into the pond.
- Don't fling your clothes on the floor!
- She flung her arms around him in delight.
- He had a brief fling with a colleague last year.
- After the argument, he flung the door open and stormed out.
- They flung themselves into preparing for the festival.
- It was just a summer fling, never meant to be serious.
- The politician flung accusations at his opponents without any evidence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FLING sounds like FLY + THING – imagine making a thing fly by throwing it quickly and carelessly.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOVE/ENTHUSIASM IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'fling oneself into a project', 'have a fling').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation for 'fling' (casual relationship). Russian 'ромашка' or 'мимолётный роман' are closer. 'Fling' as a verb is stronger/more careless than 'бросать' – closer to 'швырять'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fling' for a gentle throw (incorrect: 'She flung the letter gently onto the table'). Confusing 'fling' with 'affair' (an affair can be long-term; a fling is brief and casual).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these sentences uses 'fling' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'fling oneself into grief/despair/anger' means to abandon oneself to that emotion.
Not always. It implies casualness and brevity, which can be seen as fun and carefree or as irresponsible, depending on context and viewpoint.
'Fling' implies force and lack of care. 'Toss' is gentler and more casual. 'Hurl' implies even greater force and often anger.
Generally no. The verb is too informal and vigorous for most formal contexts; the noun (casual relationship) is strictly informal.