Definition of the word fly at

The phrase "fly at" has its roots in the English language from the mid-16th century. The word "fly" originally referred to small flying insects, such as moths, butterflies, and bees. The verb "fly" means to move rapidly and with a fluttering motion, just like these insects do when they're in flight. The phrase "fly at" comes from the sense of chasing or pursuing someone or something at a high speed, like a flying insect might pursue its prey. The use of "fly" in this context suggests that the verb "fly" has been extended metaphorically to describe any rapid, high-speed movement. In its contemporary usage, "fly at" is a phrasal verb in English that denotes to move quickly towards something or someone with intent to attack or assault. For example, "the robber flew at the cashier" means that the robber moved very quickly towards the cashier with the intention of stealing or assaulting him/her. In summary, contrary to popular belief, the expression "fly at" doesn't have anything to do with air travel or objects flying through the air. It's a term that's been deeply embedded in the English language for over four centuries, originating from the meaning of the word "fly" and its association with high-speed movement.