fly-by-night

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Many of the detainees are without any legal counsel or fallen prey to fly-by-night immigration attorneys.

From Salon • May 30, 2026

The proliferation of fly-by-night flags and registers has fanned concern about possible accidents involving old tankers with sanctioned cargoes, but until the recent seizures Western governments have mostly allowed them to sail unimpeded.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 11, 2026

Anybody who might have assumed that “Rust” was some fly-by-night exploitation flick should know that its bones are very much that of a moody indie with a heart and a conscience.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2025

“I hired this fly-by-night team who set up the balloon in this wooded area,” Levine said.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

And, God knows, Will had plenty of experience with fly-by-night ideas.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck