fly-by-night noun4 •A creature which flies at night; a nocturnal flier or traveler. •[before a noun] One who departs or flees at night in order to avoid creditors, law enforcement etc.Do not give your credit card number to that fly-by-night operation. •A person or business that appears and/or disappears rapidly, appearing untrustworthy, or giving an impression of transience. •(disapproving) A traveling businessman or tradesman. formsfly-by-nights