That's not going to fly ❌✈️

Meaning

A proposed idea or plan will not be accepted or will not succeed.

Origin

The phrase likely took flight from the world of aviation, a natural metaphor for ambition and possibility. If a plane can't get off the ground, it's grounded, destined for failure. Early 20th-century America, obsessed with the new marvel of flight, readily adopted this imagery. Whether it was a literal aircraft unable to achieve takeoff or a more figurative 'flight of fancy' that lacked substance, the idea of something failing to 'fly' became a punchy way to say it wouldn't work. The phrase captured the imagination, soaring into everyday language to describe any idea that simply couldn't get airborne.

🗣️ communication ❌📉 failure ☠️ risk 🏆 success

That's not going to fly represented with emoji❌✈️

This playful pairing of a stark red cross (❌) and a zooming airplane (✈️) functions as a delightful shorthand for a plan's imminent demise. It underscores the finality of rejection, serving as a visual metaphor for dashed hopes and unachievable aspirations. Note how the simple yet potent imagery challenges the viewer to consider the swiftness with which ambitious ventures can be grounded.

Examples

  • Your suggestion to paint the entire office neon pink? That's not going to fly with management.
  • Trying to sneak that extra dessert past your diet plan? That's not going to fly, I saw you eyeing the cake.
  • Thinking you can convince the dragon to give back the stolen treasure just by asking nicely? That's not going to fly, he's far too grumpy.
  • Hoping to teach the grumpy garden gnomes how to knit a cozy sweater for the snowman? That's not going to fly, they're much too busy guarding the petunias.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'That's not going to fly' a formal or informal idiom?

'That's not going to fly' is an informal idiom, best used in casual conversation or relaxed settings. Using it in very formal business or academic contexts might be seen as unprofessional due to its colloquial nature.

What's the opposite meaning of 'That's not going to fly'?

The opposite meaning of 'That's not going to fly' is that an idea or plan is likely to succeed or be accepted. Phrases like 'That's going to take off' or 'That will definitely work' convey this opposing sentiment.

Can 'That's not going to fly' be used for ideas that are unethical, not just unsuccessful?

Yes, 'That's not going to fly' can certainly be used for ideas that are unethical or unacceptable, not solely for those lacking practicality. It implies a rejection based on principle or policy, rather than just feasibility.

Did 'That's not going to fly' originate from a specific famous quote?

The phrase 'That's not going to fly' likely did not originate from a single famous quote, but rather evolved organically from early 20th-century enthusiasm for aviation. The metaphor of something failing to 'get off the ground' seamlessly translated into everyday language.

Similar to "That's not going to fly"

That dog won't hunt
Both phrases dismiss a plan as unworkable, but 'That dog won't hunt' leans into folksy, down-to-earth skepticism, implying a lack of practical viability rather than just outright rejection
That's DOA
Both declare a proposal dead on arrival, but 'That's DOA' has a sharp, almost blunt finality, often used in business or politics to signal that something has failed before it even starts
It's a non-starter
Both convey that an idea is destined for failure, but 'It's a non-starter' focuses on the lack of initial momentum or feasibility, suggesting it can't even get off the ground

Opposite of "That's not going to fly"

That's a slam dunk!
This phrase argues for the certainty of success, directly challenging 'That's not going to fly' by proclaiming an idea is guaranteed to be easily achieved and highly successful, highlighting a shared belief in decisive outcomes but with opposing polarities
This has legs
Rather than predicting failure, 'This has legs' asserts an idea's potential to endure and succeed over time, creating tension by suggesting longevity and growth where 'That's not going to fly' suggests immediate collapse

Related to "That's not going to fly"

Let's table this
This phrase suggests delaying a decision, linking to 'That's not going to fly' by often being a polite precursor to, or a soft rejection of, an idea that isn't flying just yet
We need to circle back on this
Similar to 'Let's table this,' this phrase implies a deferral, often used when an idea is interesting but not immediately viable, making it a cousin to proposals that aren't flying
It's a tough sell
This expression shares the sentiment of difficulty and potential failure with 'That's not going to fly,' focusing specifically on the challenge of persuading others to accept the idea
Throw it against the wall and see if it sticks
This idiom presents a stark contrast by suggesting a trial-and-error approach, often used for untested ideas that might or might not fly, unlike the definitive rejection implied by the original phrase