As the crow flies Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression means the shortest distance between two places, measured in a straight line, not considering roads or obstacles.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used to emphasize that the real travel distance is longer than the straight-line distance. Common in giving directions or describing distances. Does not account for actual travel routes.
Example Sentences
It is five miles as the crow flies from here to the lake.
basic
Paris is 300 kilometers away as the crow flies.
basic
The school is close as the crow flies, but the road winds around the mountain.
basic
It's only two miles as the crow flies, but getting there takes forever because of traffic.
natural
If you measure it as the crow flies, my house isn’t far from yours, but there’s a river in between.
natural
The cabins look close as the crow flies, but you have to hike around the whole lake to reach them.
natural