English Explanatory Dictionary

fly too close to the sun

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To become overly ambitious or greedy; to overreach oneself; to reach for something unattainable or unachievable.

Pronunciation

en-au-fly too close to the sun.ogg

Word forms

fly too close to the sun flies too close to the sun flying too close to the sun flew too close to the sun flown too close to the sun

Etymology

In reference to the Greek myth of Icarus, who fell into the sea and drowned after flying too close to the sun on wings made of wax and feathers, despite having been warned by his father, Daedalus, who gave him the wings.

Derived words

too close to the sun
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