flingn.
/flɪŋ/, U.S. /flɪŋ/ 1. An act of flinging or throwing; a cast, throw.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > an attempt
tastec1330
assayc1386
proffera1400
proof?a1400
pluck?1499
saymenta1500
minta1522
attemptate1531
attempt1548
attemption1565
say1568
trice1579
offer1581
fling1590
tempt1597
essay1598
trial1614
tentative1632
molition1643
conamen1661
put1661
tentamen1673
conatus1722
shot1756
go1784
ettle1790
shy1824
hack1830
try1832
pop1839
slap1840
venture1842
stagger1865
flutter1874
whack1884
whirl1884
smack1889
swipe1892
buck1913
lash1941
wham1957
play1961
the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > [noun] > an act of
wurpc950
cast1382
sling1530
throw1530
fling1590
pick1627
heave1640
toss1660
1590 R. Harvey Plaine Percevall sig. Cv Why may not we haue one cast in his Orchard, and a fling at his Medlar tree?
1856 E. K. Kane Arctic Explor. I. xxix. 391 In spite of the powerful flings which they were subjected to in the fight, not a dog suffers seriously.
2. figurative. (Chiefly in phrase to have a fling at): (a) a passing attempt at or attack upon something. (b) a sarcastic remark thrown out in passing; a gibe, scoff.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > derision, ridicule, or mockery > jeering, taunting, or scoffing > [noun] > instance of
hoker-wordOE
gabc1225
scornc1275
jape1377
bourda1387
gaudc1440
knack1513
scoffing1530
gleekc1540
jest1548
to have a fling at?1550
snack?1554
boba1566
taunta1566
gird1566
flim-flam-flirt1573
gibe1573
scoff1573
flouting-stock1593
mycterism1593
flirt1613
fleera1616
scomma1620
jeer1631
snouchc1780
brocard1837
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > [noun] > attack by hostile measures or words > an attacking thrust > passing
to have a fling at?1550
?1550 J. Bale Apol. agaynste Papyst 142/1 Not one kynge hath bene in Englande..but they [monks] haue..had theyr false flynges at him.
1594 1st Pt. Raigne Selimus sig. K2v Wee'll haue a fling at the Ægyptian crowne.
1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny Hist. World II. xxxvii. iii. 609 I meane..to haue a fling at Magicians for their abhominable lies.
1659 D. Pell Πελαγος 174 Will you not have one fling at Spain..before you dye?
1727 A. Hamilton New Acct. E. Indies I. xiii. 148 He left his Estate to two Grandsons..But the Court had a Fling at them, and got above a Million Sterl. of their Estate.
1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 34 He has had a Taste of your satirical Flings.
1761 C. Johnstone Chrysal (ed. 2) II. i. ix. 59 A fling at the Clergy never fails to raise a laugh.
1878 C. H. Spurgeon Serm. XXIV. 356 These also have their fling against the Gospel.
3. A hasty, reckless, or wanton movement, a rush. literal and figurative. at one fling: at one movement or impulse. full fling: with haste or force, impetuously, violently. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > shortness or brevity in time > [adverb] > instantaneously or with a short space of time
swiftlya1400
at one fling1556
at one (a) chop1581
per saltum1602
at one (fell, etc.) swoop1612
popa1625
instantaneously1644
in the catching up of a garter1697
in the drawing of a trigger1706
in a handclap1744
at a slap1753
momentaneously1753
in a whiff1800
in a brace or couple of shakes1816
bolt1839
at a single jeta1856
overnight1912
jiffy-quick1927
in two ups1934
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > [noun] > impetuous > a headlong course or rush
ram-race1513
fling1556
loose1700
dash1809
fudder1866
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > violently [phrase]
of hardc1330
at (the) utterance1480
hip and thigh1560
with a vengeance1568
with a powderc1600
with a siserary1607
full fling1614
with the vengeance1693
like a thousand (also hundred) of brick(s)1836
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie i. 33 In at a lattes hole..Euen at a fling, fast flew there in a flie.
a1577 G. Gascoigne Princelie Pleasures Kenelworth sig. C.i, in Whole Wks. (1587) My willing feete, which fet these hastie frisking flings.
1584 Copie of Let. conc. Erle of Leycester 114 Wyth manie other fetches, flinges & friscoes besides.
1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket iv. 183 A man that hath taken his careere, and runnes full fling to a place, cannot recoile himselfe.
a1625 J. Fletcher Wild-goose Chase (1652) iv. i. 37 Now ye see what your flings are, and your fancies.
1650 N. Ward Discolliminium 35 She would start from Newcastle to Michaels mount at one fling.
1652 R. Brome Joviall Crew ii. sig. D3 Shall we make a fling to London?
4. A flinging about of the body or limbs.
a. A dance in which the arms and legs are moved with great vigour, esp. in the Highland fling (also figurative)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > types of dance or dancing > lively dances > [noun] > others
hove-dance1390
tricotee1659
saltarello1724
écossaise1806
fling1806
carmagnole1827
gallopade1831
gallopading1833
polka1837
redowa1843
chicken dance1845
polking1845
schottische1849
Highland or Balmoral Schottische1882
kinkajou1927
knees up, Mother Brown1939
chicken1957
1806 P. Neill Tour Orkney & Shetl. i We saw the Highlanders..dancing the fling to the music of the bagpipe.
1823 W. Scott St. Ronan's Well I. vi. 126 Dancing the highest Highland fling.
1845 T. Hood Last Man xxiii He..danced me a saucy fling.
1866 ‘M. Twain’ Lett. from Hawaii (1967) 32 Mrs. Jones..felt something grab her cheek; she dropped the sponge and out popped a scorpion... Well, she just got up and danced the Highland Fling for two hours and a half.
b. A violent movement, a plunge; of a horse: A kicking or throwing out the hind legs. Also (Scottish) figurative of persons: to take the fling(s: ‘to become unmanageable’ (Jamieson), to become fitful or ill-humoured.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill humour > be ill-humoured [verb (intransitive)] > become ill-humoured
to take the fling(sa1568
to take the strum or strums1788
tout1825
to take (the) stunt1837
stunt1877
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > sudden movement > [noun] > jerking > a jerk
spang1513
lipe1545
job1560
jert1568
abraid1570
jerk1575
flirta1592
yark1610
slip1615
flerka1653
hitch1674
toss1676
hotch1721
saccade1728
surge1748
flip1821
snatch1822
fling1826
kick1835
chuckc1843
jolt1849
the world > animals > fish > subclass Elasmobranchii > order Pleurotremata > [noun] > member of (shark) > movement of
fling1826
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [noun] > kicking > kick
kick1530
yark1581
lunge1817
fling1852
a1568 A. Fleming Ballad Evill Wyffis viii, in Bannatyne Poems (1770) 227 Quhen his wyfe taks the fling.
1719 W. Hamilton Epist. to Ramsay 24 Aug. vii. Gin we ettle anes to taunt her, And dinna cawmly thole her banter, She'll tak the flings.
1826 H. N. Coleridge Six Months W. Indies 126 The furious jerks and flings which he [the shark] made.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. vi. 73 If dat ar gen'lman's crittur [a horse] should gib a fling.
c. figurative. Freedom from constraint in one's bearing; ‘dash’.
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the mind > emotion > pride > ostentation > [noun] > panache or dashingness
dashism1788
dashing1806
fling1872
panache1898
dashingness1934
1872 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch I. ii. xiii. 218 About his ordinary bearing there was a certain fling, a fearless expectation of success, a confidence in his own powers.
5. A fit or spell of unrestrained indulgence of one's impulses. to have one's fling: usually, to abandon oneself to pleasure until the impulse is satisfied.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > lack of magnanimity or noble-mindedness > self-interest > seek or look after one's own interest [verb (intransitive)] > indulge oneself > until impulse is satisfied
to have one's fling1827
society > morality > moral evil > evil nature or character > lack of magnanimity or noble-mindedness > self-interest > [noun] > selfishness > self-pleasing or self-indulgence > activity or period devoted to
fling1827
trip1967
power trip1968
ego-trip1969
1827 J. Barrington Personal Sketches Own Times II. 435 They took care previously to have their fling.
1840 E. Howard Jack Ashore III. iii From this morning may Jack's fling of extravagance be dated.
1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis II. i. 4 I should like to have my fling out before I marry.
1857 T. Hughes Tom Brown's School Days (1871) ii. ii. 230 During this hour or hour-and-a-half he used to take his fling.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Aylmer's Field in Enoch Arden, etc. 71 Give me my fling, and let me say my say.
6. In various uses.† c. used to express: A thing of no importance.
a. The length of netting which may be made on the mesh-pin at a time.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile fabric or an article of textile fabric > textile fabric > textile fabric manufactured in specific way > [noun] > with open texture > net or mesh > length of
fling1780
1780 A. Young Tour Ireland i. 153 Weaving the nets 1d. a yard for one fling, or 63 meshes deep.
b. A number (of oxbirds) flying in company.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > birds > order Charadriiformes > family Scolopacidae (snipes, etc.) > [noun] > genus Calidris > calidris alpinus (dunlin) > group of
fling1859
1859 H. C. Folkard Wild-fowler lx. 316 The whole fling [of ox~birds] every now and then presents the identical appearance of a beautiful silver cloud.
1875 ‘Stonehenge’ Man. Brit. Rural Sports (ed. 12) i. i. §1 A ‘fling’ of oxbirds.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant
thing of noughtc1425
nothing such1579
of nothing1583
nullitya1591
O1608
ciphera1616
zero1650
flinga1661
leather and prunella1734
small change1822
minus quantity1843
nuthin'1843
nothingburger1953
a1661 T. Fuller Hist. Worthies Eng. (1662) Berks. 84 England were but a fling, Save for the crooked stick and the gray-goose-wing.
Compounds
attributive and in other combinations, as fling period (sense 5); † fling-brain n. Obsolete a person of flighty and hasty character.† fling-brained adj. Obsolete
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > light-mindedness > [adjective]
lightlyeOE
lightOE
lightsomea1425
flying1509
light-minded?1529
tickle or light of the sear?1530
giddya1547
light-headed1549
gidded1563
giddish1566
fling-brained1570
tickle-headed1583
toyish1584
shallow1594
leger1598
corky1601
barmy1602
airy1609
unfirma1616
unballast1622
cork-brained1630
unballasted1644
kickshawa1655
unserious1655
unstudious1663
flirtishc1665
caper-witteda1670
shatter-headedc1686
corky-brained1699
flea-lugged1724
halokit1724
shatter-brained1727
scattered-brained1747
shatter-witted1775
flippant1791
butterfly-brained1796
scatter-brained1804
gossamer1806
shandy-pated1806
shattery1820
barmy-brained1823
papilionaceous1832
flirtatious1834
flirty1840
Micawberish1859
scatterheaded1867
flibberty-gibberty1879
thistledown1897
shatter-pated1901
trivial-minded1905
scattery1924
fizgig1928
ditzy1979
the mind > attention and judgement > inattention > mental wandering > light-mindedness > [noun] > person
flippera1400
butterflya1500
dalliera1568
fling-brain1570
barmy-froth1598
inconsiderate1598
cork1601
cork-brain1630
kickshaw1644
shatter-brain1719
shatter-pate1775
shatter-wit1775
scatter-brain1790
flutter-pate1894
Jack-o'-wisp1896
ditz1984
the world > time > [noun] > stretch, period, or portion of time > spell of some action
whilec1175
stint1533
crash1549
fleech1589
spell1707
return1763
run1864
fling period1885
go-round1911
jag1913
brannigan1928
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 1627/2 A sort of flying braynes and light heades, which were neuer constant in any one thyng.
1576 T. Newton tr. L. Lemnie Touchstone of Complexions ii. ii. f. 98v Theyr fickle heades, & flingbrayned wits be easelye allured and drawen into follye.
1885 Athenæum 24 Jan. 117/1 Chopin..came when the fling period was drawing to an end.
Draft additions December 2022
A brief romantic or sexual relationship; esp. one that is spontaneous and casual in nature.
ΘΠ
the mind > emotion > love > love affair > [noun] > (type of) transitory love affair
passade1819
summer romance1890
holiday romance1934
1913 Yackety Yack (Univ. N. Carolina) 13 vi. 345 When she did not answer either of his letters, he decided that he had not been at all serious about it; but had merely had a ‘Fling With a Flirt’.
1943 M. Gordon My Heart tells Me (sheet music) My heart tells me this is just a fling, Yet you say our love means Ev'rything.
1963 J. Kerouac Let. 29 June in J. Kerouac & A. Ginsberg Lett. (2010) 472 He had a little fling with Lois... Not a fling really, but lying around all day on the floor with her.
2004 D. Cosper Wedding Season i. 12 I did have a couple of..flings with well-meaning young men from nearby colleges.
2022 @Rogue_Rooster 17 June in twitter.com (accessed 27 June 2022) I had a scare once when a gal I had a fling with messaged me after 3 years saying we need to talk.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online December 2022).
flingv.
/flɪŋ/, U.S. /flɪŋ/ I. intransitive.† 2. To make an onset or attack. Obsolete.
1.
a. To move with haste or violence from or towards an object; to go or run violently or hastily; to dash, rush.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move with impetuous speed
leapOE
swengec1000
swingOE
throwc1275
hurla1300
dashc1300
fling1300
stetec1330
lance?a1400
slinga1400
whirlc1400
wringc1400
dingc1450
whither1487
chop1555
to cast (also lay) one's heels in one's neck1599
clap1603
precipitate1622
teara1627
toss1727
to keep on at a score1807
whing1882
whirlwind1894
to go off full score1900
careen1923
1300 K. Alis. 1165 Messangeris conne flyng, Into the halle byfore the kyng.
c1330 Arth. & Merl. 3916 Þe hors of baundoun lete þai frem & come flingand wiþ al her men.
a1500 (?a1400) Sir Torrent of Portyngale (1887) l. 378 He fled a wey, ase he were wod, Flyngyng ase a fynd.
1556 J. Heywood Spider & Flie iv. 15 Full furiouslie he flang Towarde the flie.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 29 There staying his speache, hee flange out of the dores.
1579 T. North tr. Plutarch Liues 699 Postes came flinging to him from the Realm of Pontus.
1605 E. Sandys Relation State of Relig. sig. X1 v Protestants are..vnnaturall or rebellious children, who haue flung out of the Church.
1726 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey V. xxii. 334 Confus'd, distracted, thro' the rooms they fling.
1796 J. G. Stedman Narr. Exped. Surinam I. i. 20 I..angrily flung into the apartment.
1830 J. Galt Lawrie Todd II. vi. i. 242 He flung from me like a whirlwind.
1855 J. L. Motley Rise Dutch Republic I. ii. ii. 286 Granvelle..flung from the council chamber.
1894 H. Caine Manxman i. i. 3 His son had flung out of the room.
b. with adverbs, as away, forth, off, out, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going away > go away from [verb (transitive)] > go away from suddenly or hurriedly
fleeOE
to give the bag to1582
fling1588
vamoose1847
jump1875
skip1884
to leave (a person) flat1902
blow1912
scarper1937
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (intransitive)] > move swiftly and violently > rush around
scour1297
startlec1300
reelc1400
rammisha1540
gad1552
ramp1599
fling1620
to run rounda1623
rampage1791
to run around1822
to rip and tear1846
hella1864
running around like a chicken with its head cut off (also like a chicken with no head)1887
to haul ass1918
tear-arse1942
c1300 K. Alis. 1111 Alisaundres folk forth gon flyng, Fyve hundred in a rynge.
c1300 K. Alis. 5892 [They] Breken there the wal adoun; And in flunge in litel stounde.
1588 R. Greene Pandosto sig. D2v With that hee flung from his sonne in a rage.
1620 T. Shelton tr. M. de Cervantes Don Quixote I. iii. iv. 142 Don Quixote..did fling up and down among the sheep.
1633 Bp. J. Hall Plaine Explic. Hard Texts i. 256 Doe not offer to fling out from him, as in a fury.
1712 J. Arbuthnot Law is Bottomless-pit ix. 17 Signior flang away out of the House in great disorder.
1836 W. Irving Astoria 66 He concluded by flinging off from the party.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. viii The Chancellor..flung away in a rage.
c. Of a missile or weapon: To be sent or driven forcibly or swiftly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > [verb (intransitive)] > be driven forcibly
flingc1300
the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (intransitive)] > project through space > be projected through space
flingc1300
c1300 K. Alis. 2749 Thorugh the heorte the launce flang.
1632 T. E. Lawes Womens Rights 333 They [the keys] flang out at the chamber window.
1856 E. B. Browning Aurora Leigh ix. 398 I flung closer to his breast, As sword that, after battle, flings to sheathe.
a. to fling together: to close in fight; to engage in hand-to-hand contest.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > armed encounter > contending in battle > contend in battle or give battle [verb (intransitive)] > come to close quarters
to fling togetherc1300
fewterc1440
to come to handstrokes1488
to come to (one's) hands (also hand)1524
to fight short1533
buckle1535
close1590
to close in1704
c1300 K. Alis. 6084 Bothe perty flang togedre.
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 674 Wiþ þe strokes þat þis frekes slente flyngande to-gader in fiȝte, Hur helmes & haberions þay to-rente.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. vi. 347 They..drewe theire swerdes and flange to gyders as wood men.
b. To aim a stroke or blow (at); to hit out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impact > striking > strike or deliver blows [verb (intransitive)] > strike out
flingc1380
bursta1450
to lash out1567
belay1598
outlash1611
slash1689
to throw out1772
to let out1840
to hit out1856
sock1856
c1380 Sir Ferumbras (1879) l. 583 So þikke he smot to Olyuer as he miȝte flynge.
c1400 Rowland & O. 830 Kyng Clariell..flynges owte full fersely.
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 5253 He..flang at hym fuersly with a fyne swerde.
3.
a. Of a horse or other animal: To kick and plunge violently, ‘to fly into violent and irregular motions’ (Johnson), to be unruly or restive. Also with about, out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [verb (intransitive)] > kick
startleOE
kickc1386
winch1483
fling1487
yark?1561
smite1600
to lash out1852
to kick over the traces1861
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) vi. 143 He stekit the hors, and he can flyng.
1523 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles I. clxii. 198 The horses whan they felt ye sharpe arowes..flang and toke on so feersly, that many of them fell on their maisters.
1579 S. Gosson Schoole of Abuse f. 27 A Colte, giue him the bridle, he flinges about; raine him hard, and you may rule him.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) ii. iv. 16 Duncans Horses..Turn'd wilde in nature, broke their stalls, flong out, Contending 'gainst Obedience. View more context for this quotation
1694 R. L'Estrange Fables (ed. 2) ccxxxvii The same Humour of Kicking and Flinging at the Servant, took him again next Morning.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles v. xxxi. 214 The startling horses plunged and flung.
1862 in A. E. Lee Hist. Columbus (1892) I. 742 A good-natured..slap, at which the animal ‘flung out’ like a trip-hammer.
b. similarly of persons. Also, to fling out: to break out into angry invective or complaint.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > lack of subjection > unruliness > be unruly [verb (intransitive)]
fling1531
reul1691
to act up1903
the mind > emotion > anger > manifestation of anger > show anger [verb (intransitive)] > speak angrily > break into angry speech
to fling out1886
to go off pop1904
the mind > emotion > suffering > displeasure > discontent or dissatisfaction > state of complaining > complain [verb (intransitive)] > break out into angry complaint
to fling out1886
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour i. ii. sig. Avi Where they [the communes]..refuse to be brydled, they flynge and plunge: and if they ones throwe downe theyr gouernour [etc.].
1575 W. Stevenson Gammer Gurtons Nedle iv. ii. sig. Diiv There is the thing That Hodge is so offended, that makes him starte and flyng.
a1600 A. Montgomerie Misc. Poems vii. 20 The mair thou flings, the faster is the net.
a1694 J. Tillotson Serm. 2 Pet. iii. 3, in Wks. (1735) I. 29 Their consciences are galled..this makes them winch and fling as if they had some mettle.
a1701 C. Sedley Poems in Wks. (1722) I. 19 She like a wounded Otter flings and Rails.
1886 J. Payn Luck of Darrells vii I had rather she had flung out at me, as many a woman would do, than taken it as she did.
4. Scottish. To caper, dance. (Cf. fling n. 4.)
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > dancing > [verb (intransitive)]
frikec1000
sail1297
dancec1300
sault1377
tripc1386
balea1400
hopc1405
foota1425
tracec1425
sallyc1440
to dance a fita1500
fling1528
to tread a measure, a dance1577
trip1578
traverse1584
move1594
to shake heels1595
to shake it1595
firk1596
tripudiate1623
pettitoe1651
step1698
jink1718
to stand up1753
bejig1821
to toe and heel (it)1828
morris1861
hoof1925
terp1945
1528 D. Lindsay Dreme Epist. 12 Sumtyme, in dansing, feiralie I flang.
a1572 J. Knox Hist. Reformation (1644) iv. 374 They would have wished their Sonnes and Daughters rather..to have been exercised in flinging upon a Floore..then [etc.].
1790 R. Burns Tam o' Shanter 161 in Poems & Songs (1968) II. 562 Rigwoodie hags wad spean a foal, Lowping and flinging on a crummock.
II. transitive.
5. figurative.1713 J. Addison Cato i. i I know thy generous Temper well; Fling but th' Appearance of Dishonour on it, It strait takes Fire.1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 220 Their nimble nonsense..Flings at your head conviction in the lump.1841 T. Carlyle On Heroes ii. 107 These thoughts of his; flung out unshaped.1883 Manch. Examiner 29 Nov. 5/2 We are..not prepared to fling harsh words at any who do not at this moment agree with us.
a. To throw, cast, toss, hurl. Frequently with adverbs, as about, aside, away, by, out, up, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (transitive)]
warpc888
torvec1000
castc1230
slingc1290
forthcasta1300
throwc1300
lancec1330
hit1362
pitchc1380
slentc1380
glenta1400
launcha1400
routc1400
waltc1400
flingc1420
jeta1450
vire1487
ajet1490
hurl1563
toss1570
kest1590
picka1600
peck1611
jaculate1623
conject1625
elance1718
squail1876
tipple1887
bish1940
biff1941
slap1957
welly1986
c1420 Pallad. on Husb. i. 550 Fitches flynge Afore hem ofte.
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvi. 651 He evin apon his bak hym flang And with hym till the bat can gang.
1567 A. Golding tr. Ovid Metamorphosis (new ed.) viii. f. 102v The Bore..grunting flang his fome about.
1577 R. Stanyhurst Treat. Descr. Irelande v. f. 18v/2, in R. Holinshed Chron. I He flung them all in the fire.
1587 A. Fleming et al. Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) III. Contin. 1290/1 The boy there vpon flang vp his garland.
a1608 F. Vere Comm. (1657) 8 They flang away their arms.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. vii. 168 Who loues the King..Fling vp his cap. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Coriolanus (1623) ii. i. 260 Matrons flong Gloues..Vpon him. View more context for this quotation
1647 C. Harvey Schola Cordis xxxiv. 44 The door's flung off the hooks, the floor's unlay'd.
c1665 L. Hutchinson Mem. Col. Hutchinson (1973) 135 Which, when the Governor read over, he flung by.
1711 E. Budgell Spectator No. 77. ⁋9 He writes a Letter, and flings the Sand into the Ink-bottle.
1816 M. Keating Trav. (1817) I. 237 He was dressed in long robes of white..muslin, one end of which was flung over his head.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Lady Clare in Poems (new ed.) II. 197 Pull off, pull off, the brooch of gold, And fling the diamond necklace by.
1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Æneid ii, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 115 The King Bids them..aside his manacles fling.
b. To throw with violence or hostile intent; to hurl as a missile. to fling down: to throw to the ground.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)] > discharge (missile)
sendc825
to let flyOE
slenga1300
castc1325
lancec1330
throwa1382
launch?a1400
whirlc1440
fling1487
dischargec1500
to let goc1500
streek1513
deliver1574
level1592
fire1887
1487 (a1380) J. Barbour Bruce (St. John's Cambr.) xvii. 645 Ledderis to the ground thai flang.
c1525 Bk. Mayd Emlyn sig. Av And if her husbande sayd ought Loke what she sonest cought At his heed she wolde it flynge.
1558 T. Phaer tr. Virgil Seuen First Bks. Eneidos vi. sig. R.ij Ioue almighty than, a firy dart on him down flang.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) v. i. 51 I had rather chop this Hand off at a blow, And with the other, fling it at thy face. View more context for this quotation
1622 M. Drayton 2nd Pt. Poly-olbion xxii. 53 His approoued men..flang out such a flight Of shafts.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Frick Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 159 I..flung him upon his back.
1705 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus I. ii. 11 Fling Dirt enough, and some will stick.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 263 He tore off his jacket..went up to Carter, and flung it in his face.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xvii. 280 They..flung darts carrying lighted straw over the ramparts.
c. absol. To throw or aim a missile at.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > action of propelling missile > assail with missiles [verb (transitive)]
throwc1300
bicker1352
pelt1554
to let at1598
fling1635
1635 F. Quarles Emblemes i. vii. 30 While death, that flings at all, Stands arm'd to strike thee down.
1709 M. Prior Poems Several Occasions 212 I and My Cloe take a nobler Aim, At human Hearts We fling, nor ever miss the Game.
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World iv. 127 They say they are sure of anything they fling at [with a lasso].
d. said of the sea, waves, wind, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > impelling or driving > projecting through space or throwing > throw [verb (intransitive)]
throwc1330
pickc1487
hurl1530
fling1684
aim1884
biff1964
1684 T. Burnet Theory of Earth i. vi. 75 Suppose a..heap of Rocks to fall..these would expel the waters out of their places with such a..violence as to fling them among the highest Clouds.
1781 W. Cowper Expostulation 273 The waves that..fling their foam against thy chalky shore.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) II. 146 This spring..is found to fling out about twenty-one tons of water in a minute.
1887 C. Bowen tr. Virgil Eclogues vii, in tr. Virgil in Eng. Verse 47 More cheap than the seaweed flung on the shore.
e. To throw (dice) from the box. Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > entertainment > pastimes > game > games of chance > dice-playing > play at dice [verb (transitive)] > throw
cast1458
fling1654
whirla1777
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 423 Whole Armies then as truly having their lives played, as ever any private Souldier had, when condemned to fling for his.
1693 J. Dryden tr. Juvenal Satire VII 268 in J. Dryden Satires of Juvenal 139 'Tis Fate that casts the Dice.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 543. ¶4 If one should always fling the same Number with ten thousand Dice.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. ii. 13 I only wanted to fling a quatre, and yet I threw deuce ace five times.
6.
a. reflexive. To throw oneself; = sense 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > rate of motion > swiftness > swift movement in specific manner > move swiftly in specific manner [verb (reflexive)] > move impetuously
throwc1330
launch1534
hurlc1540
shoot1577
run1605
fling1700
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 321 A steep Rock; whence..the late King of Sittawack's Wife and Daughter flung themselves down headlong.
1812 J. Wilson Isle of Palms ii. 75 He flings himself down on his rocky tomb.
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Devereux I. i. iii. 33 I flung myself into his arms and wept.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §6. 87 William flung himself..into the first boat he found.
b. figurative. to fling oneself, one's energies, etc. into or upon: to enter upon vigorously, take up with impetuous energy, abandon oneself to. Also, to fling oneself upon (a person): to confide oneself unreservedly to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > vigorously or zealously
to step to ——1530
to fling oneself, one's energies, etc. into or upon1842
the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for or protect [verb (reflexive)] > commit to the care of another
putc1390
commit1569
to fling oneself upon1842
1842 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) III. ix. 144 If they [Whigs] had flung themselves upon the people heartily and honestly, they might have set the Tories at defiance.
1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia VI. xx. vii. 179 Goltz..honestly flings himself upon his task.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People ii. §7. 100 [He] returned to fling himself into the life of the young nobles of the time.
1880 J. McCarthy Hist. our Own Times III. xxxv. 111 She had flung all her energies into the rebellion.
7. To extend (one's arms) with a sudden movement; transferred of a plant, etc. Also, to kick up (one's heels), etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > sudden movement > cause to move suddenly [verb (transitive)] > specifically the limbs
fling1656
the world > movement > impact > striking > striking with specific thing > strike with specific thing [verb (transitive)] > with the foot > kick > lift (the heels, etc.) in kicking
fling1884
1656 J. Smith Myst. Rhetorique Unvail'd 248 When in shew of disdainful contempt of a person or thing we fling up our nose.
1810 W. Scott Lady of Lake i. 16 The pine-tree hung His shattered trunk, and..flung..His boughs athwart the narrowed sky.
c1820 P. B. Shelley Question i A shelving bank of turf, which..hardly dared to fling Its green arms round the bosom of the stream.
a1822 P. B. Shelley Triumph of Life in Posthumous Poems (1824) 79 Maidens and youths fling their wild arms in air.
1884 Ld. Tennyson Becket Prol. 23 The young colt..flung up her heels.
8. To cast scornfully (one's eyes, a glance) in a certain direction.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > seeing or looking > see [verb (transitive)] > direct (a look)
warpc1175
send1592
dart1593
look1599
squint1631
fling1654
1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 209 How many fling their Eyes off a Book, having but spied the name?
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 121 One careless look on me she flung.
9. To emit, send forth, give out, diffuse (light, a sound, odour, etc.); to throw or cause to fall (light or shade) on or over an object. Also, to fling in (quot. 1705).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)]
breathe1532
flavour1542
season1559
smellc1595
resent1602
stop1607
fling1637
tinge1690
savour1832
odorize1857
steam1861
the world > matter > light > shine [verb (transitive)]
shedc1200
showa1400
yet?c1400
throw1565
reflex1590
emit1626
fling1637
projectc1645
strike1697
slip1873
shine1889
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > going or coming out > letting or sending out > let or send out [verb (transitive)] > emit
send971
stretchc1275
casta1300
sheda1325
manda1350
to throw outa1413
yielda1450
devoida1475
render1481
reflair1509
sup out1513
to give out1530
utter1536
spout1568
to give fortha1586
to let fly1590
to put out1614
eject1616
evacuate1622
ejaculate1625
emit1626
fling1637
outsend1647
exert1660
extramit1668
exclude1677
emane1708
extromita1711
evolve1772
emanate1797
discharge1833
exsert1835
to give off1840
the world > movement > impact > impinge upon [verb (transitive)] > cause to impinge > specific light or shade
strike1697
fling1755
1637 J. Milton Comus 34 West winds, with muskie wing About the cedar'n alleys fling Nard, and Cassia's balmie smells.
1645 J. Milton Il Penseroso in Poems 42 When the Sun begins to fling His flaring beams.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 217 The Entry at both Ends [of a subterraneous passage] is higher than the middle Parts of it, and sinks by degrees, to fling in more Light upon the rest.
1714 A. Pope Rape of Lock (new ed.) ii. 14 Ev'ry Beam new transient Colours flings.
1755 E. Young Centaur v, in Wks. (1757) IV. 231 This flings light on a part of Scripture, which has a cloud on it in some eyes.
a1806 H. K. White Remains (1807) I. 317 No gale around its coolness flings.
1876 J. R. Green Stray Stud. Eng. & Italy 3 The huge beeches that fling their cool shade over the grass.
10.
a. To put (any one) suddenly or violently into prison, confinement, or the like; ‘to force into another condition, properly into a worse’ (Johnson); also, †to fling to death (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > kill [verb (transitive)]
swevec725
quelmeOE
slayc893
quelleOE
of-falleOE
ofslayeOE
aquellc950
ayeteeOE
spillc950
beliveOE
to bring (also do) of (one's) life-dayOE
fordoa1000
forfarea1000
asweveOE
drepeOE
forleseOE
martyrOE
to do (also i-do, draw) of lifeOE
bringc1175
off-quellc1175
quenchc1175
forswelta1225
adeadc1225
to bring of daysc1225
to do to deathc1225
to draw (a person) to deathc1225
murder?c1225
aslayc1275
forferec1275
to lay to ground, to earth (Sc. at eird)c1275
martyrc1300
strangle1303
destroya1325
misdoa1325
killc1330
tailc1330
to take the life of (also fro)c1330
enda1340
to kill to (into, unto) death1362
brittena1375
deadc1374
to ding to deathc1380
mortifya1382
perisha1387
to dight to death1393
colea1400
fella1400
kill out (away, down, up)a1400
to slay up or downa1400
swelta1400
voida1400
deliverc1400
starvec1425
jugylc1440
morta1450
to bring to, on, or upon (one's) bierc1480
to put offc1485
to-slaya1500
to make away with1502
to put (a person or thing) to silencec1503
rida1513
to put downa1525
to hang out of the way1528
dispatch?1529
strikea1535
occidea1538
to firk to death, (out) of lifec1540
to fling to deathc1540
extinct1548
to make out of the way1551
to fet offa1556
to cut offc1565
to make away?1566
occise1575
spoil1578
senda1586
to put away1588
exanimate1593
unmortalize1593
speed1594
unlive1594
execute1597
dislive1598
extinguish1598
to lay along1599
to make hence1605
conclude1606
kill off1607
disanimate1609
feeze1609
to smite, stab in, under the fifth rib1611
to kill dead1615
transporta1616
spatch1616
to take off1619
mactate1623
to make meat of1632
to turn up1642
inanimate1647
pop1649
enecate1657
cadaverate1658
expedite1678
to make dog's meat of1679
to make mincemeat of1709
sluice1749
finisha1753
royna1770
still1778
do1780
deaden1807
deathifyc1810
to lay out1829
cool1833
to use up1833
puckeroo1840
to rub out1840
cadaverize1841
to put under the sod1847
suicide1852
outkill1860
to fix1875
to put under1879
corpse1884
stiffen1888
tip1891
to do away with1899
to take out1900
stretch1902
red-light1906
huff1919
to knock rotten1919
skittle1919
liquidate1924
clip1927
to set over1931
creasea1935
ice1941
lose1942
to put to sleep1942
zap1942
hit1955
to take down1967
wax1968
trash1973
ace1975
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > confine [verb (transitive)] > put into confinement
fling1591
to take away1834
c1540 (?a1400) Destr. Troy 8843 Alphenor the fuerse flung he to dethe.
1591 E. Spenser Teares of Muses in Complaints 543 Squallid Fortune, into basenes flong, Doth scorne the pride of wonted ornaments.
1601 J. Weever Mirror of Martyrs sig. Evi They were attacht, and into prison flong.
1762 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting I. iii. 49 The Emperor..seems to have taken no other notice of Mabuse; whose excesses..occasioned his being flung into prison.
1776 Trial Maha Rajah Nundocomar for Forgery 66/1 I was, after the battle, flung into confinement.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 98 Laud was flung into the Tower.
b. To bring up or dispatch (a body of troops) by a sudden or rapid movement; to cause (troops) to fall on (the enemy).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > attack [verb (transitive)] > cause (troops) to attack
fling1707
push1748
society > armed hostility > military operations > distribution of troops > [verb (transitive)] > bring up suddenly
fling1707
1707 J. Freind Acct. Earl of Peterborow's Conduct in Spain 55 His Lordship found Methods to fling 500 Men into the Town.
1893 A. H. Sayce Higher Crit. (1894) 426 He had flung his army on the western conspirators.
11. † a. Of an animal: To cast or shed (its coat). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > general parts > covering or skin > [verb (transitive)] > moult
fling1557
throw1600
1557 Earl of Surrey et al. Songes & Sonettes sig. A.iiv The buck in brake his winter cote he flinges.
b. To throw away, cast aside (as useless or burdensome). rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (transitive)] > reject > as useless or unneeded
to throw awaya1398
to have no use for1596
chuck1821
fling1847
scrap1902
scratch1923
pitch1968
toss1976
1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess ii. 26 You likewise will do well, Ladies, in entering here, to cast and fling The tricks, which make us toys of men.
12.
a. To throw down, throw on the ground; spec. in wrestling. Of a horse: To throw (his rider) off his back.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > family Equidae (general equines) > habits and actions of horse > [verb (transitive)] > kick or throw (a person) out or off of
plunge1603
wincha1626
fling1767
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > wrestling > wrestle with [verb (transitive)] > manoeuvres
casta1300
hurl1613
hip1675
back-clamp1713
buttock1823
fling1825
hipe1835
cross-buttock1878
pin1879
hank1881
hammer-lock1905
scissor1907
body slam1932
powerbomb1993
1767 W. Cowper Let. 13 July (1979) I. 171 Poor Mr. Unwin being flung from his Horse as he was going to his Cure.
1783 Ainsworth's Thes. Linguæ Latinæ (new ed.) iv. at Aleii Campi Where Bellerophon wandered when flung by Pegasus.
a1797 H. Walpole in Webster's New Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. (1890) His horse started, flung him, and fell upon him.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan I. 257 If he ‘flung’ Carter, he would have to fight him afterwards.
1864 Ld. Tennyson Grandmother iii, in Enoch Arden, etc. 115 Never a man could fling him: for Willy stood like a rock.
b. figurative. To give a fall to, cause to fall, overthrow. Also Scottish, to jilt.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or defeat
shendc893
overwinOE
overheaveOE
mate?c1225
to say checkmatea1346
vanquishc1366
stightlea1375
outrayc1390
to put undera1393
forbeat1393
to shave (a person's) beardc1412
to put to (also at, unto) the (also one's) worsec1425
adawc1440
supprisec1440
to knock downc1450
to put to the worsta1475
waurc1475
convanquish1483
to put out1485
trima1529
convince1548
foil1548
whip1571
evict1596
superate1598
reduce1605
convict1607
defail1608
cast1610
banga1616
evince1620
worst1646
conquer1655
cuffa1657
trounce1657
to ride down1670
outdo1677
routa1704
lurcha1716
fling1790
bowl1793
lick1800
beat1801
mill1810
to row (someone) up Salt River1828
defeat1830
sack1830
skunk1832
whop1836
pip1838
throw1850
to clean out1858
take1864
wallop1865
to sock it to1877
whack1877
to clean up1888
to beat out1893
to see off1919
to lower the boom on1920
tonk1926
clobber1944
ace1950
to run into the ground1955
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or overwhelm > completely or overthrow
shrenchc897
allayOE
fellOE
quellOE
to bring to the groundc1175
forlesec1200
to lay downa1225
acastc1225
accumberc1275
cumber1303
confoundc1330
overthrowc1375
cumrayc1425
overquell?c1450
overwhelvec1450
to nip in (also by, on) the head (also neck, pate)?a1500
prostrate1531
quash1556
couch1577
unhorse1577
prosternate1593
overbeata1616
unchariot1715
floor1828
quench1841
to knock over1853
fling1889
to throw down1890
steamroller1912
wipe1972
zonk1973
1790 D. Morison Poems 152 (Girl speaks) Had I that maxim kept I'd ne'er been flung.
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Fling, to baffle, to deceive.
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Fling v. 6. To baffle; to defeat; as, to fling a party in litigation.
1889 Tablet 7 Dec. 897 An opportunity to fling the Ministry.
13. slang. To get the better of, cheat, swindle, ‘do’; to cheat out of (money, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle
defraud1362
deceivec1380
plucka1500
lurch1530
defeata1538
souse1545
lick1548
wipe1549
fraud1563
use1564
cozen1573
nick1576
verse1591
rooka1595
trim1600
skelder1602
firk1604
dry-shave1620
fiddle1630
nose1637
foista1640
doa1642
sharka1650
chouse1654
burn1655
bilk1672
under-enter1692
sharp1699
stick1699
finger1709
roguea1714
fling1749
swindle1773
jink1777
queer1778
to do over1781
jump1789
mace1790
chisel1808
slang1812
bucket1819
to clean out1819
give it1819
to put in the hole1819
ramp1819
sting1819
victimize1839
financier1840
gum1840
snakea1861
to take down1865
verneuk1871
bunco1875
rush1875
gyp1879
salt1882
daddle1883
work1884
to have (one) on toast1886
slip1890
to do (a person) in the eye1891
sugar1892
flay1893
to give (someone) the rinky-dink1895
con1896
pad1897
screw1900
short-change1903
to do in1906
window dress1913
ream1914
twist1914
clean1915
rim1918
tweedle1925
hype1926
clip1927
take1927
gazump1928
yentz1930
promote1931
to take (someone) to the cleaners1932
to carve up1933
chizz1948
stiff1950
scam1963
to rip off1969
to stitch up1970
skunk1971
to steal (someone) blind1974
diddle-
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > treat fraudulently, cheat [verb (transitive)] > trick out of
delude1493
juggle1531
bull1532
defeata1538
cozen1602
Don Diego1607
foista1640
sham1681
jockey1719
fling1749
short1942
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > defrauding or swindling > perpetrate (a swindle) [verb (transitive)] > defraud or swindle > out of something
beguile1394
wrongc1484
delude1493
licka1500
to wipe a person's nose1577
uncle1585
cheat1597
cozen1602
to bob of1605
to bob out of1605
gull1612
foola1616
to set in the nick1616
to worm (a person) out of1617
shuffle1627
to baffle out of1652
chouse1654
trepan1662
bubble1668
trick1698
to bamboozle out of1705
fling1749
jockey1772
swindle1780
twiddle1825
to diddle out of1829
nig1829
to chisel out of1848
to beat out1851
nobble1852
duff1863
flim-flam1890
1749 Apol. Life Bampfylde-Moore Carew 146 One of the Gentlemen proffered to lay a Wager he could not fling Dr. Glanfield.
1760 C. Johnstone Chrysal (1767) IV. i. xii. 77 He finds..that he cannot fling his worthy associate out of the whole spoil.
1760 C. Johnstone Chrysal (1767) IV. i. xii. 77 To try if there was any possibility for him to fling his..mistress, and get the whole fortune himself.
1806 T. S. Surr Winter in London II. iii. 63 If I had not been..monstrous lucky..we should have been flung.
1830 E. Bulwer-Lytton Paul Clifford III. vii. 129 Bob..cries, ‘Flung the governor out of a guinea!’
14. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII iii. ii. 441 Cromwel, I charge thee, fling away Ambition. View more context for this quotation1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 4 Of the western provinces..she was the last that was conquered, and the first that was flung away.1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. vi. 52 Don't fling yourself away, my girl.1873 W. Black Princess of Thule xxii. 371 Don't fancy I am flinging away a fortune out of generosity.1587 W. Baldwin et al. in J. Higgins Mirour for Magistrates (new ed.) iii. Burdet lxiii On euery syde full fast wee flang the French men downe.1695 J. Woodward Ess. Nat. Hist. Earth 111 These are so far from raising Mountains, that they overturn and fling down, some of those which were before standing.a1640 J. Fletcher & P. Massinger False One iv. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Rr4/2 You flung me off, before the Court disgrac'd me.1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 170 These Men..are too well acquainted with the Chace to be flung off by any false Steps or Doubles.1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxv. 214 He has flung us off; and leaves us to poverty.1649 E. Reynolds Israels Prayer (new ed.) iv. 88 To goe from his word, and fling up his bargaine.1654 R. Whitlock Ζωοτομία 94 Should there be any occasion of flinging up new works about the lines of communication.1661 S. Pepys Diary 15 Sept. (1970) II. 179 If she will not be ruled, I shall fling up my Executorship.a1845 R. H. Barham Wedding-day in Ingoldsby Legends (1847) 3rd Ser. ii. vi. 24 If you stay one Moment longer, I'll fling up the Affair.1884 Punch 29 Nov. 263/2 I've had enough of this game and will fling up politics.1859 E. Bulwer-Lytton What will he do with It? (1st Edinb. ed.) I. ii. xii. 204 You wrote to fling my churlish favours in my teeth.1892 Speaker 29 Oct. 528/2 The elderly maxim about brevity being the soul of wit may be flung in my teeth.a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) ii. i. 450 The mouth of passage shall we fling wide ope, And giue you entrance. View more context for this quotation1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 110. ¶5 The Knight..ordered the Rooms to be flung open.1847 Ld. Tennyson Princess vi. 138 Fling our doors wide!1862 Mrs. H. Wood Mrs. Halliburton's Troubles I. xxi. 272 The young lady..flung-to the door and departed.1885 M. Collins Prettiest Woman in Warsaw I. xii. 183 When the dawn broke he flung open his window.
a. Used in many phrases and idiomatic expressions merely as a variant (more emphatic or expressive of greater violence) of throw or cast (see esp. cast v. Phrasal verbs); such are to fling aside, to disregard, reject; to fling away, to discard, dismiss; to throw away, squander, ruin; to fling down, to throw on the ground, overthrow, demolish; to fling off, to abandon, disown; to baffle in the chase, throw off the scent; to fling up, to throw up (an earthwork); to give up, relinquish, abandon; also (dialect) to ‘rake up’ and utter as a reproach. to fling (anything) in one's teeth: see cast v. 65 to fling open, to open suddenly or violently (also, to fling wide); similarly, to fling to, to shut suddenly or forcibly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > relinquishing > relinquish or give up [verb (transitive)]
forsakec893
forlet971
to reach upOE
agiveOE
yield?c1225
uptake1297
up-yield1297
yield1297
deliverc1300
to-yielda1375
overgivec1384
grant1390
forbeara1400
livera1400
forgoc1400
upgive1415
permit1429
quit1429
renderc1436
relinquish1479
abandonc1485
to hold up?1499
enlibertyc1500
surrender1509
cess1523
relent1528
to cast up?1529
resignate1531
uprender1551
demit1563
disclaim1567
to fling up1587
to give up1589
quittance1592
vail1593
enfeoff1598
revoke1599
to give off1613
disownc1620
succumb1632
abdicate1633
delinquish1645
discount1648
to pass away1650
to turn off1667
choke1747
to jack up1870
chuck up (the sponge)1878
chuckc1879
unget1893
sling1902
to jack in1948
punt1966
to-leave-
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > be careless or heedless of [verb (transitive)]
atletc1200
forheedc1275
forget1297
lachesc1425
remiss1443
to go by ——?c1450
unregard1545
recklessc1560
to fling aside1587
disregard1641
unheed1847
the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)]
to let awaya1000
forcast?c1225
to lay downc1275
forthrow1340
flita1375
removea1382
to cast away1382
understrewc1384
castc1390
to lay awaya1400
to lay asidec1440
slingc1440
warpiss1444
to lay from, offc1480
way-put1496
depose1526
to lay apart1526
to put off1526
to set apart1530
to turn up1541
abandonate?1561
devest1566
dispatch1569
decarta1572
discard1578
to make away1580
to fling away1587
to cast off1597
doff1599
cashier1603
to set by1603
moult1604
excuss1607
retorta1616
divest1639
deposit1646
disentail1667
dismiss1675
slough1845
shed1856
jettison1869
shake1872
offload1900
junk1911
dump1919
sluff1934
bin1940
to put down1944
shitcan1973
the world > space > relative position > condition of being open or not closed > open [verb (transitive)] > throw open
warpc1000
to-thrustc1175
to waive up1377
upcastc1425
to wap widec1440
to throw upa1500
to fling open1587
to cast open1633
to fling wide1847
the mind > possession > relinquishing > casting or laying aside > [verb (transitive)] > do without or get rid of
to set awayc1430
to throw off1551
to dispense with1576
to down with1581
to fling off1587
to fob offa1616
shoot1877
the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (transitive)] > reject or cast off a person
refusec1390
wavescha1400
denyc1400
rejectc1450
replya1500
repudiate1534
to fling off1587
reprobate1747
veto1839
to tie a can to (or on)1926
to give (a person) the elbow1938
wipe1941
the mind > language > statement > refusal > [verb (transitive)] > dismiss from consideration
forheedc1275
sequesterc1380
forlaya1400
to lay awaya1400
to put, set or lay byc1425
to lay by1439
to lay asidec1440
to set, lay, put apart1477
bar1481
to lay apart1526
to throw out1576
disclude1586
to fling aside1587
to fling away1587
exclude1593
daff1598
to throw by1644
eliminate1850
to write off1861
to filter out1934
slam-dunk1975
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > reproach > [verb (transitive)] > reproach with
upbraida1250
undernimc1320
to lay to one's credit, reproachc1515
to cast (a thing) in one's teeth1526
to twit (a person) in the teeth1530
to hit (one) in the teeth with1535
to cast (also lay, throw) (something) in one's dish1551
to fling (anything) in one's teeth1587
to throw (thrust, fling, (etc.)) (something) in a person's face1597
to tit (a person) in the teeth1622
nose1625
exprobrate1630
puta1663
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose or intention [verb (transitive)] > desert or deny a person
forsakea1300
refusec1350
nitec1390
swerve1390
relinquish1472
relinque1483
renounce1582
to fling off1587
derelicta1631
relapse1633
plant1743
to throw over1835
chuck up (the sponge)1878
ditch1899
ruck1903
to run out on1912
to walk out1921
squib1938
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > downward motion > causing to come or go down > cause to come or go down [verb (transitive)] > bring to the ground/lay low > cast down
warpc1175
acastc1225
to throw downa1250
foldc1275
casta1300
throwc1330
waltc1400
shootc1480
to cast down1530
to fling down1587
stern1599
deject1627
society > armed hostility > defence > defensive work(s) > fortify [verb (transitive)] > throw up (works)
to throw up1591
to fling up1654
the world > food and drink > hunting > thing hunted or game > action of game > [verb (transitive)]
to give the bay toc1515
bay1575
make a bay at1579
to fling off1711
run1781
to stand before ——1827
fault1873
blink1876
the world > space > relative position > closed or shut condition > close or shut [verb (transitive)] > close (a door, window, etc.) > violently or noisily
clapc1405
to throw to1644
slap1709
slam1775
bounce1786
flap1801
smack1801
slump1836
to fling to1862
bang1878
the mind > possession > relinquishing > squandering or prodigality > squander [verb (transitive)]
forspendc893
scatter1154
dispend1303
waste1340
misspendc1390
miswastec1400
consumec1425
waste1474
profund1527
lasha1535
prodige1538
lavish1542
to play away1562
riot1566
embezzle1578
dilapidate1590
squander1593
confound1598
to make ducks and drakes of or withc1600
prodigalize1611
profuse1611
squander1611
paddle1616
bezzle1617
to run out of ——1622
to piss away1628
prodigal1628
decoct1629
to bangle (away)1632
debauch1632
deboise1632
to fribble away1633
to fool out1635
to run outa1640
to fiddle away1667
slattera1681
dissipate1682
to play off1693
duck-and-drake1700
liquidate1702
sparkle away1703
waster1821
befool1861
to frivol away1866
to play (at) duck and drake with1872
to fling away1873
mislive1887
slather1904
mucker1928
profligate1938
peter1956
spaff2002
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. i. 122 He trod the water Whose enmity he flung aside. View more context for this quotation
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vi. §4. 298 This resolve of Colet to fling aside the traditional dogmas of his day.
b. similarly with adjective complement. rare.
ΚΠ
1865 T. Carlyle Hist. Friedrich II of Prussia VI. xxi. ii. 371 There are a great many hands flung idle in the present downbreak of finance.
Compounds
(The verb-stem used attributively.)
fling-brand n. (attributive) that kindles strife or makes mischief.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > harmfulness > harmful mischievousness > harmfully mischievous person > [noun]
disturberc1290
troublera1382
distroublerc1440
disturblerc1440
boutefeu?1584
mischief1586
breed-bate1593
trouble-feast1603
flight-head1605
trouble-rest1605
trouble-house1608
trouble-cupa1610
trouble-state1609
seek-trouble1611
fling-brand1616
trouble-town1619
blow-coal1622
trouble-world1663
mischief-maker1675
fire-sprit1847
firebug1869
ratbag1890
disturbant1894
mixer1938
society > society and the community > dissent > [noun] > causing dissension > one who
sower1380
firebranda1382
barratorc1430
makebate1529
bate-makera1564
mischief-master1567
boutefeu?1584
make-debate1588
breed-bate1593
kindle-fire1595
brew-bate1602
brand1608
fling-brand1616
make-strife1617
mischief-monger1620
blow-coal1622
kindle-coal1630
fire spirit1647
mischief-maker1675
mischief-doer1822
mixer1938
1616 T. Adams Sacrifice of Thankefulnesse i. 23 It would a little Coole the preter naturall heate of the fling-brand fraternitie; as one wittily calleth them.
fling-dust n. a contemptuous name for a harlot.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute
meretrixOE
whoreOE
soiled dovea1250
common womanc1330
putec1384
bordel womanc1405
putaina1425
brothelc1450
harlot?a1475
public womanc1510
naughty pack?1529
draba1533
cat1535
strange woman1535
stew1552
causey-paikera1555
putanie?1566
drivelling1570
twigger1573
punka1575
hackney1579
customer1583
commodity1591
streetwalker1591
traffic1591
trug1591
hackster1592
polecat1593
stale1593
mermaid1595
medlar1597
occupant1598
Paphian1598
Winchester goose1598
pagan1600
hell-moth1602
aunt1604
moll1604
prostitution1605
community1606
miss1606
night-worm1606
bat1607
croshabell1607
prostitute1607
pug1607
venturer1607
nag1608
curtal1611
jumbler1611
land-frigate1611
walk-street1611
doll-common1612
turn-up1612
barber's chaira1616
commonera1616
public commonera1616
trader1615
venturea1616
stewpot1616
tweak1617
carry-knave1623
prostibule1623
fling-dusta1625
mar-taila1625
night-shadea1625
waistcoateera1625
night trader1630
coolera1632
meretrician1631
painted ladya1637
treadle1638
buttock1641
night-walker1648
mob?1650
lady (also girl, etc.) of the game1651
lady of pleasure1652
trugmullion1654
fallen woman1659
girlc1662
high-flyer1663
fireship1665
quaedama1670
small girl1671
visor-mask1672
vizard-mask1672
bulker1673
marmalade-madam1674
town miss1675
town woman1675
lady of the night1677
mawks1677
fling-stink1679
Whetstone whore1684
man-leech1687
nocturnal1693
hack1699
strum1699
fille de joie1705
market-dame1706
screw1725
girl of (the) town1733
Cytherean1751
street girl1764
monnisher1765
lady of easy virtue1766
woman (also lady) of the town1766
kennel-nymph1771
chicken1782
stargazer1785
loose fish1809
receiver general1811
Cyprian1819
mollya1822
dolly-mop1834
hooker1845
charver1846
tail1846
horse-breaker1861
professional1862
flagger1865
cocodette1867
cocotte1867
queen's woman1871
common prostitute1875
joro1884
geisha1887
horizontal1888
flossy1893
moth1896
girl of the pavement1900
pross1902
prossie1902
pusher1902
split-arse mechanic1903
broad1914
shawl1922
bum1923
quiff1923
hustler1924
lady of the evening1924
prostie1926
working girl1928
prostisciutto1930
maggie1932
brass1934
brass nail1934
mud kicker1934
scupper1935
model1936
poule de luxe1937
pro1937
chromo1941
Tom1941
pan-pan1949
twopenny upright1958
scrubber1959
slack1959
yum-yum girl1960
Suzie Wong1962
mattress1964
jamette1965
ho1966
sex worker1971
pavement princess1976
parlour girl1979
crack whore1990
a1625 J. Fletcher Wild-goose Chase (1652) iv. i. 38 She is an English whore, a kind of fling dust One of your London Light o' Loves.
fling-stink n. = fling-dust n.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > unchastity > prostitution > [noun] > a prostitute
meretrixOE
whoreOE
soiled dovea1250
common womanc1330
putec1384
bordel womanc1405
putaina1425
brothelc1450
harlot?a1475
public womanc1510
naughty pack?1529
draba1533
cat1535
strange woman1535
stew1552
causey-paikera1555
putanie?1566
drivelling1570
twigger1573
punka1575
hackney1579
customer1583
commodity1591
streetwalker1591
traffic1591
trug1591
hackster1592
polecat1593
stale1593
mermaid1595
medlar1597
occupant1598
Paphian1598
Winchester goose1598
pagan1600
hell-moth1602
aunt1604
moll1604
prostitution1605
community1606
miss1606
night-worm1606
bat1607
croshabell1607
prostitute1607
pug1607
venturer1607
nag1608
curtal1611
jumbler1611
land-frigate1611
walk-street1611
doll-common1612
turn-up1612
barber's chaira1616
commonera1616
public commonera1616
trader1615
venturea1616
stewpot1616
tweak1617
carry-knave1623
prostibule1623
fling-dusta1625
mar-taila1625
night-shadea1625
waistcoateera1625
night trader1630
coolera1632
meretrician1631
painted ladya1637
treadle1638
buttock1641
night-walker1648
mob?1650
lady (also girl, etc.) of the game1651
lady of pleasure1652
trugmullion1654
fallen woman1659
girlc1662
high-flyer1663
fireship1665
quaedama1670
small girl1671
visor-mask1672
vizard-mask1672
bulker1673
marmalade-madam1674
town miss1675
town woman1675
lady of the night1677
mawks1677
fling-stink1679
Whetstone whore1684
man-leech1687
nocturnal1693
hack1699
strum1699
fille de joie1705
market-dame1706
screw1725
girl of (the) town1733
Cytherean1751
street girl1764
monnisher1765
lady of easy virtue1766
woman (also lady) of the town1766
kennel-nymph1771
chicken1782
stargazer1785
loose fish1809
receiver general1811
Cyprian1819
mollya1822
dolly-mop1834
hooker1845
charver1846
tail1846
horse-breaker1861
professional1862
flagger1865
cocodette1867
cocotte1867
queen's woman1871
common prostitute1875
joro1884
geisha1887
horizontal1888
flossy1893
moth1896
girl of the pavement1900
pross1902
prossie1902
pusher1902
split-arse mechanic1903
broad1914
shawl1922
bum1923
quiff1923
hustler1924
lady of the evening1924
prostie1926
working girl1928
prostisciutto1930
maggie1932
brass1934
brass nail1934
mud kicker1934
scupper1935
model1936
poule de luxe1937
pro1937
chromo1941
Tom1941
pan-pan1949
twopenny upright1958
scrubber1959
slack1959
yum-yum girl1960
Suzie Wong1962
mattress1964
jamette1965
ho1966
sex worker1971
pavement princess1976
parlour girl1979
crack whore1990
1679 ‘T. Ticklefoot’ Some Observ. Tryals Wakeman 7 That he was not President of the Benedictines, his Lordship affirmed from the Testimony of three Flingstinks.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1897; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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n.?1550
v.1300