flying mare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialized term in martial arts/wrestling contexts; rare in general usage)Specialized / Technical / Literary (when used figuratively)
Quick answer
What does “flying mare” mean?
a throw in wrestling or combat sports where one lifts and flips an opponent over one's shoulder or hip, typically involving a forward or twisting motion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a throw in wrestling or combat sports where one lifts and flips an opponent over one's shoulder or hip, typically involving a forward or twisting motion.
Figuratively, can refer to any sudden, dramatic reversal of fortune or a surprising overthrow of a dominant person, system, or idea, especially through clever or unexpected means.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term primarily in wrestling/judo contexts. Figurative use is slightly more attested in British political journalism. American usage might more readily associate it with professional wrestling entertainment.
Connotations
UK: Technical skill, clever reversal. US: Dramatic, showy move, especially in pro-wrestling.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects outside specific sporting communities.
Grammar
How to Use “flying mare” in a Sentence
[Agent] + execute/pull off/attempt + a flying mare + on/against + [Patient]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying mare” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was flying-mared onto the canvas.
- She managed to flying mare her larger opponent.
American English
- He got flying-mared right out of the ring.
- The wrestler flew-mared his challenger (non-standard but attested in commentary).
adverb
British English
- He went flying-mare style over the hip. (awkward/rare)
American English
- He was tossed flying-mare fashion. (awkward/rare)
adjective
British English
- The flying-mare throw won him the match.
- He has a devastating flying-mare technique.
American English
- It was a flying-mare finish to the bout.
- Her signature move is a flying-mare takedown.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The startup pulled a flying mare on the industry giant with its disruptive new platform." (rare)
Academic
Extremely rare; would only appear in sports science or historical martial arts studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Known mainly to martial arts enthusiasts.
Technical
"The judoka transitioned from a failed uchi mata into a flying mare (kata guruma) for a waza-ari score."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying mare”
- Writing as 'flying mayor' (homophone error).
- Using it as a verb without an article ('He flying mared his opponent'). Correct: 'He performed a flying mare.'
- Confusing it with 'flying armbar' (a different submission move).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A clothesline is a striking move where an arm is extended to hit an opponent's neck/chest as they run. A flying mare is a grappling throw involving lifting and rotating the opponent over the hip or shoulder.
Almost never. It is a highly specialized term. Its figurative use exists but is niche and primarily journalistic or literary.
The key mechanic is breaking the opponent's balance (kuzushi) forward or to the side, then using your body (often hip or shoulder) as a fulcrum to lift and flip them over in a continuous, 'flying' motion.
It comes from an old meaning related to 'goblin' or 'incubus' (a spirit that rides or suffocates sleepers), which itself is from Old English 'mære' and is related to the word 'nightmare'. The connection is the sense of being carried away or overcome by a force.
a throw in wrestling or combat sports where one lifts and flips an opponent over one's shoulder or hip, typically involving a forward or twisting motion.
Flying mare is usually specialized / technical / literary (when used figuratively) in register.
Flying mare: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈmeər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈmer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to pull a flying mare (on someone): to unexpectedly and decisively defeat or outmanoeuvre someone.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARE (horse) suddenly FLYING through the air—that's what happens to your opponent.
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION / A CHALLENGE IS A PHYSICAL OPPONENT; A CLEVER SOLUTION IS A THROWING TECHNIQUE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'flying mare' LEAST likely to be used correctly?