flying wedge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “flying wedge” mean?
A V-shaped formation of people or objects moving forward together, typically with a point at the front designed to break through opposition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A V-shaped formation of people or objects moving forward together, typically with a point at the front designed to break through opposition.
A powerful, aggressive strategy or force designed to penetrate and disrupt an opposing line, group, or defence. Used metaphorically in business, politics, and military contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in the UK but is less culturally embedded than in the US, where its American football origins are more widely known. In the UK, it may be more readily associated with historical military tactics or protest policing.
Connotations
US: Strong association with sports strategy and corporate 'aggressive entry' into markets. UK: Slightly more likely to connote police tactics against crowds or a forceful argument.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher in US business/strategy jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “flying wedge” in a Sentence
The [group] formed a flying wedge to [achieve goal].They used a flying wedge [tactic/strategy] to [break through/enter].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flying wedge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protesters attempted to flying-wedge their way through the police cordon. (Note: hyphenated, very rare)
American English
- The strategy was to flying wedge into the competitor's user base. (Note: used as a compound verb, rare)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The flying-wedge formation was declared too dangerous in rugby.
American English
- They executed a perfect flying-wedge play. (Hyphenated when attributive)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to an aggressive market entry strategy led by a small, focused team.
Academic
Used in history (military tactics), sports science, or sociology (crowd control).
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in American football history and protest policing manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flying wedge”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flying wedge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flying wedge”
- Using it to describe any simple queue or line (it requires intent to penetrate).
- Confusing it with a 'phalanx' (which is a broader, block formation).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to flying wedge' is non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term used mostly in historical or metaphorical contexts.
It is neutral in technical use but often carries a negative connotation of unchecked aggression or disruption when used metaphorically.
The 'flying' refers to the rapid motion of the formation, not to being airborne. It contrasts with a static wedge.
No, the classic 'flying wedge' formation was banned in the early 20th century for being extremely dangerous. The term persists only metaphorically.
A V-shaped formation of people or objects moving forward together, typically with a point at the front designed to break through opposition.
Flying wedge is usually formal, technical, figurative in register.
Flying wedge: in British English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈwedʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌflaɪ.ɪŋ ˈwedʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Conceptually related to 'tip of the spear' or 'breaking ranks'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FLYING WEDGE of geese – but instead of migrating, they're forcefully breaking through a wall. The lead goose is the point of the wedge.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGGRESSION IS A SHARP, PENETRATING OBJECT; A GROUP IS A TOOL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context did the term 'flying wedge' originate?