As the crow flies

Meaning

A direct path, ignoring obstacles.

Usage

Used in maps and travel comparisons.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Crows fly straight, so the phrase measures direct distance.

Appears in 19th-century surveying manuals.