not hurt a fly
not hurt a fly (idiom)
/ˈnɑt ˈhɜrt ə flaɪ/
Meaning
- Describes someone who is extremely gentle and would never intentionally cause harm to others.
- Refers to a person who is peaceful, harmless, and non-aggressive in nature.
- Used to portray someone as kind-hearted or innocent, especially when accused of wrongdoing.
- Characterizes individuals as too timid or sensitive to engage in violence or even stand up for themselves.
Synonyms: harmless; gentle; meek; peaceful; innocent; nonviolent.
Example Sentences
- She’s so kind she not hurt a fly, even when someone is rude to her.
- Everyone was shocked by the accusation because he would not hurt a fly.
- Despite the heated argument, he remained calm and would not hurt a fly.
- My little brother cries at cartoon fights—he would truly not hurt a fly.
Origin and History
A Common Human Observation
At its core, the idea behind “would not hurt a fly” likely stems from a universal human observation. Flies are often seen as bothersome, irritating insects. To show such extreme gentleness as to refrain from harming even a fly speaks volumes about a person’s character. This concept of extending kindness to all living things, no matter how small or seemingly annoying, resonates across cultures and time. It highlights a deep-seated empathy and a commitment to non-violence.
Philosophical Roots of Non-Violence
Many belief systems and philosophies around the world advocate for non-violence and compassion towards all living beings. While not directly coining the phrase, these philosophies certainly provide fertile ground for its emergence and widespread acceptance. For instance, in Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Jainism, the principle of Ahimsa (non-harm) is central. This principle emphasizes avoiding harm to any living creature, including insects. While the phrase itself is English in origin, the underlying sentiment aligns perfectly with these ancient teachings.
Literary Appearances and Early Records
The phrase “would not hurt a fly” (or close variations) has appeared in English literature for centuries, suggesting its gradual integration into common speech. While pinpointing the absolute first spoken instance is impossible, printed records offer a glimpse into its adoption.
One of the earliest known printed occurrences of a similar sentiment appears in Laurence Sterne’s “The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman,” published in volumes between 1759 and 1767. While not precisely “not hurt a fly,” Sterne’s work often uses similar imagery to portray gentle characters, hinting at the nascent popular understanding of the concept.
A more direct appearance can be found in William Hazlitt’s “The Spirit of the Age,” published in London on January 11, 1825. In a description of William Godwin, Hazlitt writes, “It is not merely that these novels are very well for a philosopher to have produced—they are admirable and complete in themselves, and would not lead you to suppose that the author, who is so entirely at home in human character and dramatic situation, had ever dabbled in logic or metaphysics.” While the exact phrase “not hurt a fly” isn’t used here, the context suggests a familiar understanding of a person being so gentle they wouldn’t hurt even a small, insignificant creature.
Over time, the exact phrasing “would not hurt a fly” solidified, appearing in various texts throughout the 19th century and becoming a standard idiom. For example, the phrase is notably used in the context of describing the gentleness of figures like Mahatma Gandhi.
The Country of Origin
Based on its appearances in English literature and its linguistic structure, the phrase “not hurt a fly” originated in England. Its widespread use and acceptance within the English language point to its development and popularization in English-speaking cultures.
Why a “Fly”?
The choice of a “fly” in the idiom is crucial. Flies are ubiquitous, often seen as pests, and easily swatted away without a second thought by most people. Therefore, the act of not harming a fly becomes a powerful symbol of extreme gentleness. If someone would refrain from harming even something so commonly dismissed, it speaks volumes about their inherent kindness and pacifist nature.
Variants
- not hurt a flea
- wouldn’t hurt a fly
- couldn’t hurt a fly
- won’t hurt a fly
- never hurt a fly
Similar Idioms
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