1865. G. F. Berkeley, My Life, II. 296. Heenan ... told me his
right hand was worth nothing to him, and we have since seen that
his left flies, or, in other words, becomes puffed, softened, or
severely damaged by the force of his own blows.
To fly around, verb. phr. (American).—To bestir oneself; to make haste.
Also to fly around and tear one’s shirt.
1851. Hooper, Widow Rugby’s Husband, p. 44. Old ’ooman, fly around,
git somethin’ for the Squire and Dick to eat.
To fly the flag, verb. phr. (colloquial).—1. To walk the streets.