fly in the face of

Idioms and Phrases

Also, fly in the teeth of . Act in direct opposition to or defiance of. For example, This decision flies in the face of all precedent , or They went out without permission, flying in the teeth of house rules . This metaphoric expression alludes to a physical attack. [Mid-1500s]

Example Sentences

"The plan to sanction GB News flies in the face of Ofcom's duty to act fairly, lawfully and proportionately to safeguard free speech, particularly political speech and on matters of public interest," he said.

From BBC

That position flew in the face of statements from Garza and others about their intention to back Harris.

From Los Angeles Times

The idea that he flies in the face of authority is a plus for many Americans who feel left behind by the institutions he berates.

From Los Angeles Times

But Mr Strachan KC said those allegations were “simply not credible and flies in the face of the decision.”

From BBC

An AP-Norc poll released on Wednesday found that 65% of Democratic voters want Biden out, flying in the face of repeated claims by the president that he is listening to voters and defying "elites."

From Salon

Related Words

• abandon
• break with
• disavow
• dismiss
• disown
• forsake
• recant
• renounce
• repeal
• rescind
• retract
• reverse
• revoke
• spurn