auf|fliegen
Translation
to be exposed, to be discovered, to fly up
Examples
Der Betrug ist endlich aufgeflogen.
The fraud was finally exposed.
Ein Schwarm Vögel flog plötzlich auf.
A flock of birds suddenly flew up.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) flies up / is exposed (a secret, a plot) The fraud was exposed.
((sb./sth.)) flies up (a bird, an aircraft) The birds flew up.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (exposed) aufgedeckt werden; (fly up) aufsteigen
Etymology
From 'auf' (up) + 'fliegen' (to fly). Literally 'to fly up'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a cover 'flying up' to reveal a secret, or a bird 'flying up' into the air. Both meanings use the same core image.