🚫 There’s No Flies on Him/Her 🦟
When someone says, “there’s no flies on him/her,” they’re essentially tipping their hat to the individual for being brainy, shrewd, and not quick to be deceived. This person is ever so vigilant and cleverly astute, ensuring any metaphorical—or actual—flies just don’t stick around!
20th Century Witticisms and Proverbs 🍬
The idiom has had quite a literary journey, appearing charmingly in Eugene Field’s 1892 poem “Jest ’fore Christmas” with the line:
“Most all the time, the whole year round, there ain’t no flies on me.”
It also graced the title of a cheeky Salvation Army song where the lyrics poignantly suggest:
“There may be flies on you and me, / But there are no flies on Jesus” (1900).
And not to be left out of mysteries, Robert Barnard pitched in with:
“‘Oh, I’ve ideas all right. There’s no flies on me, you know. I’ll get to the bottom of it.’” (Death and the Chaste Apprentice, 1989).
Related and Similar Phrases 🔍
- Quick on the draw: Reacting swiftly, with a nod to Wild West gunslingers.
- Sharp as a tack: Keenly intelligent, a tack might be small, but it’s mighty sharp!
- No fool: An understated way to say someone isn’t easily tricked.
- Wise as an owl: Owls have the reputation of being extremely wise—even if it’s more of mythological accolade.
- On the ball: Always ready and alert, never missing a beat.
- Street smart: Not just academically intelligent but worldly-wise.
Synonyms
Shrewd, astute, perceptive, keen, smart, ingenious, savvy, vigilant
Antonyms
Gullible, naive, oblivious, unsuspecting, foolish, obtuse, slow-witted
Humorous Quotes 🧠
“A fly in the hand is worth two in the air—unless they’re on you!” 😊 - Pseudonymous Sage
“There’s no flies on an eagle—it moves too swiftly and might just eat them for lunch.” 🦅 - Anonymus Jester
Suggested Arts and Literature 📚🎥
Books:
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle — for the shrewdest sleuth alive.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee — Atticus Finch’s wisdom is fly-free!
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — Elizabeth Bennet who knows how to dodge both flies and snobs.
Movies:
- Sherlock Holmes (2009) — Featuring Robert Downey Jr. at his wittiest.
- Catch Me if You Can (2002) — The ultimate cat-and-mouse chase; no flies here!
- O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) — For some Southern grit and wit.
Songs:
- Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ Top — because who looks sharper than that?
- Quick as a Cat by J Powell-backed musical ensemble.
Poetry:
- If by Rudyard Kipling— for its reflection on mental sharpness and perseverance.
Farewell Thought 🌀
Stay astute, let no flies land on you, not just to appear wise but to lead a life that is alert, ever-changing, and dynamically engaged. You’re the eagle, forever soaring above, keen-sighted and ever so swift!
