Idiom fly-by-night

Question

What is the meaning of idiom "fly-by-night" in the sentence as follow: I warmed to the room at once, I liked its fly-by-night look.Regard,BBCL

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/fly-by-night

The room in question was probably run-down and shabby.

CJ

BBCLoverBanget · Answer

If it's shabby, why did the narrator like it? I'm confusing. FYI, the sentence is taken from Capote's novella of Breakfast at Tiffany's.

CalifJim · Answer

BBCLoverBangetI'm confusing.

You very well may be confusing. You are confusing me a little just now.

But I'm sure you meant "I'm confused". Something or someone else is confusing you; you aren't confusing something or someone else.
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BBCLoverBangetIf it's shabby, why did the narrator like it?

You'll have to ask him. Obviously he likes such things. Maybe they suggest something interesting to him. Who knows.

CJ

BBCLoverBanget · Answer

CalifJimBut I'm sure you meant "I'm confused"

You know what I mean lah. Thanks for your correction

CalifJimObviously he likes such things.

I've just cliked your link. One of the meanings is "Of an impermanent or insubstantial nature". Does it means the room is not permanent. It sounds match with the story.

CalifJim · Answer

BBCLoverBangetDoes it ~~means~~ mean the room is not permanent.

You've got the 's' form on two verbs: does and means. You can't do that. Put the 's' only on the first verb.

The room is probably supposed to be permanent, but it may look as if it is not so permanent - as if it is about to fall into pieces!

CJ

BBCLoverBanget · Answer

Ok CJ, thanks for your attention.Regards,BBCL

Idiom fly-by-night

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