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as the crow flies
01
by the route that is shortest and most direct
What is the origin of the idiom "as the crow flies" and when to use it?
The idiom "as the crow flies" originated from the concept of the straight-line flight path of a crow, which is known for its ability to travel directly from one point to another. The phrase is used to describe the shortest distance between two locations, disregarding any obstacles, detours, or the actual distance of a non-linear route. In other words, it exists to It emphasize a direct and efficient course, often used when discussing distances or providing navigation instructions.
Example
The hikers decided to take a shortcut through the dense forest, cutting the distance as the crow flies.
The town is only five miles away as the crow flies, but it will take longer to reach by car due to the winding roads.
It was 150 miles inland from Boston as the crow flies.
From here to the office, it's about 20 miles as the crow flies, but it's more like 30 miles by car since you have to wind around the mountain.
I live at Mesa, Washington, about 10 miles as the crow flies from Hanford.
