hurt a fly

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hurt a fly

1. (idiomatic, chiefly in the negative, chiefly with a conditional) To hurt or damage something even a bit.
   • 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter XI

     Talking of being eaten by dogs, there's a dachshund at Brinkley who when you first meet him will give you the impression that he plans to convert you into a light snack between his regular meals. Pay no attention. It's all eyewash. [...] He wouldn't hurt a fly, but he has to put up a front because his name's Poppet. One can readily appreciate that when a dog hears himself addressed day in and day out as Poppet, he feels he must throw his weight about. His self-respect demands it.

• Chiefly used in the negative, in a form such as "wouldn't hurt a fly" or "is incapable of hurting a fly", with the meaning "has a very gentle nature, is incapable of violence".

• harm a fly