Basic Details
Word: Housefly
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A small flying insect commonly found in homes, usually black or grey, that can spread disease.
Synonyms: Musca domestica, fly
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Like a fly on the wall: Refers to someone who is secretly observing a situation. Example: "I wish I could be a fly on the wall during that important meeting."
- There's a fly in the ointment: Used to indicate that there is a small problem that may affect the situation. Example: "Everything was perfect for the party, but there's a fly in the ointment - we forgot the cake!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: The housefly buzzed annoyingly around the kitchen as I tried to cook dinner.
Example 2: To keep the house clean, we must find ways to prevent houseflies from entering.
Example 3: The housefly landed on the window, trying to find its way outside where it was free.
Fun Fact
Did you know that houseflies can eat using their feet? They use their sticky pads to taste food before actually eating it!
Famous Quote
"The flies of the world are too numerous to be counted, but one dead fly may spoil a whole pot of ointment." – Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "housefly" mean?
a) A large outdoor insect
b) A type of bird
c) A small insect found indoors
d) A plant
Answer: c) A small insect found indoors
2. Which of these is a synonym for "housefly"?
a) Ladybird
b) Musca domestica
c) Bumblebee
d) Dragonfly
Answer: b) Musca domestica
3. Which sentence uses "housefly" correctly?
a) The housefly flew into the water.
b) The housefly was buzzing around the picnic basket.
c) The housefly grew wings and flew away.
d) The housefly swam in the pool.
Answer: b) The housefly was buzzing around the picnic basket.
4. What does "like a fly on the wall" mean?
a) To be very active
b) To secretly observe a situation
c) To create distractions
d) To be very noisy
Answer: b) To secretly observe a situation
5. What is the opposite of "housefly"?
a) N/A
b) Butterfly
c) Caterpillar
d) Moth
Answer: a) N/A
