A fly on the wheel

Looks like a poor English translation of an idiomatic expression from another language.

Where did you find this?

It's a stand-alone example from a textbook for senior high school kids here.

Sorry Angliholic, it is an expression that I have never heard.

I can't help you (and I really hate having to say that).

John

I suppose that it means that he was totally ineffective. A fly alighting on a wheel (of any kind) would have no effect on its motion.

Thanks, Mister.

I think you're right!

I remember this story from my school days. A tired fly decides to take rest on the axle of a moving Chariot. While so, he steals a backward glance and finds a lot of dust being generated by the wheels of the Chariot. He says to himself, "I am causing a lot of dust, better move away". So a person who considers himself very important is sometimes referred to as "A fly on the wheel"

In Chinese, 'a fly on the wheel' means someone who overrates himself, therefore often shows self-inportance or arrogance.

"a fly on the wheel" meaning is A person who overestimates his/her importance.....

A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the Draught-Mule said, "How slow you are! Why do you not go faster? See if I do not ***** your neck with my sting." The Draught-Mule replied, "I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds me back with the reins. Away, therefore, with your insolence, for I know well