- Refers to a large number of people or things succumbing to something (like illness, heat, failure, or quitting) rapidly and in quick succession.
Explanation
Origin
- The expression likely draws on the image of flies, which have short lifespans and are easily killed in large numbers (e.g., by insecticide or a fly swatter), falling down quickly.
- It creates a vivid mental picture of many individuals being overcome almost simultaneously.
- Used metaphorically since at least the mid-19th century to describe groups of people affected by illness, battle, exhaustion, or failure.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Everyone's getting wiped out.
- It's taking everyone down.
- People are going down left, right, and center.
Milder:
- A lot of people got sick very quickly.
- There was a high failure/dropout rate.
- Many people were affected.
More Formal:
- There was a high incidence of illness/failure.
- Numerous individuals succumbed rapidly.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Generally acceptable in everyday conversation, but the imagery might be perceived as slightly insensitive if discussing recent tragic deaths, depending heavily on tone and context. Fine for illness, failure, etc.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take it too literally. Emphasize it refers to a large number failing or falling ill quickly, not literal death in most contexts.
Examples
- During the flu season, employees were dropping like flies.
- The heat was so intense that participants in the race started dropping like flies.
- Half the class failed the exam; they dropped like flies.
Dialogue
Sarah: How was orientation week for the new trainees?
Mark: Exhausting! The information overload was intense. People were dropping like flies by Wednesday, totally overwhelmed.
Sarah: Oh wow, that bad? Hope they managed to catch up.
Mark: Yeah, most did, but it was a rough start for them!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: This new virus is hitting the office hard. People are dropping like flies. Stay safe everyone! #sickday
- Forum Post: The final boss in this game is impossible! My team members kept dropping like flies. #gaming #difficulty
- Comment: Watched the marathon runners were dropping like flies in that heat! 🥵
Response Patterns
- Expressions of shock or concern: Oh no, really? / That sounds terrible!
- Agreement or shared experience: Yeah, I heard it was really bad.
- Questions seeking more detail: How many people got sick?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone use the expression:
- Ask about the cause: What happened? / Was it the flu? / Why did so many fail?
- Ask about the scale: How many were affected?
- Ask about the current situation: Is everyone okay now? / Did things improve?
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually describes a situation rather than initiating a conversation.
Intonation
- Emphasis is typically placed on DROP and FLIES: People were DROPping like FLIES.
- The tone often conveys alarm, slight exaggeration for effect, or sometimes resignation.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across most adult generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ).