catching flies
Staring into nothing
Catching flies describes sitting with one's mouth hanging open, suggesting inattention or stupidity—as if the gaping mouth might catch passing insects.
Often used as a gentle rebuke: Close your mouth, you'll catch flies.
Someone staring blankly or daydreaming might be said to be catching flies.
- flyswatterHandheld bug killer
- fly paperAdhesive trap for insects
- daydreamingIdle mental wandering
- Venus flytrapPlant that eats insects
- snapSudden sharp sound
inattentive · distracted · chase · sticky traps · dexterity · absent-minded · zoning out · slack-jawed · dart · buzz · outfield · mouth · lost in thought · head in clouds · precision · predation · bug zapper · oblivious
catching fliesalert
Warning or watchfulness
attentive · paying attention · sharp · on the ball · wide awake
catching fliesengaged
Pledged to marry
paying attention · tuned in · all ears · riveted · absorbed
catch, catches, caught, catcher, catchers, catching, catchable, flies, flying