flying kite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “flying kite” mean?
A light framework covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A light framework covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string.
Also refers to the action of flying such an object as a recreational activity; metaphorically can suggest something rising, soaring, or being tested (e.g., 'flying a kite' can mean floating an idea to gauge reaction).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The activity is equally common and referred to identically.
Connotations
Connotes childhood, recreation, wind, parks. In business/political slang, 'to fly a kite' means to suggest an idea tentatively.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “flying kite” in a Sentence
[Subject] fly a kiteThe kite is flying[Subject] is flying a kiteVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying kite” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to fly kites on the downs this weekend if the wind holds.
American English
- The kids want to fly kites at the park after school.
adjective
British English
- The flying kite display at the festival was quite spectacular.
American English
- We need more flying kite string; this roll is almost finished.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical sense: 'Management flew a kite about possible redundancies.'
Academic
Rare, except in descriptions of physics (aerodynamics), cultural studies, or recreation.
Everyday
Common: discussing hobbies, weather activities, childhood memories.
Technical
Aviation/recreation contexts: kite design, wind dynamics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying kite”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying kite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying kite”
- Using 'flying a kite' for the object instead of the activity (e.g., 'He lost his flying a kite'). Confusing 'kite' with 'key' in pronunciation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Flying a kite' (or 'flying kites') is the correct verb phrase for the activity. 'Flying kite' is typically used as a noun phrase to describe the kite that is in the air.
Yes, in business or political contexts, 'to fly a kite' means to suggest an idea unofficially to gauge public or professional reaction.
A 'kite' is the object. 'Flying kite' specifies the kite is currently airborne, or refers to the concept/activity contextually.
Yes, it's a popular recreational activity worldwide, with communities for simple leisure flying, artistic kite making, and competitive sport kite flying.
A light framework covered with paper, cloth, or plastic, designed to be flown in the air at the end of a long string.
Flying kite is usually informal to neutral in register.
Flying kite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈkaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈkaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go fly a kite! (slang for 'go away')”
- “Fly a kite (test public opinion)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the word 'KITE' as the shape of the object: K and T are the spars, I is the string, E is the tail fluttering.
Conceptual Metaphor
FREEDOM / UNSTABLE CONTROL (something buoyant but tethered); TESTING THE WIND (probing for reactions).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of the phrase 'flying kite'?