The **fly** is the half of a flag farthest from the staff, opposite the hoist, and the term also refers to the free vertical edge that flaps in the wind. By convention the fly is considered the less honourable portion of the field for the placement of charges, although many national flags carry significant devices there. The fly edge is the one most prone to fraying and is sometimes reinforced or finished with a hem.
**Example**: The crescent and star on the flag of Turkey are placed slightly toward the hoist, leaving a broad red fly that takes the brunt of the wind.
**See also**: [hoist](/glossary/hoist/), [fly-end](/glossary/fly-end/), [swallow-tail](/glossary/swallow-tail/), [field](/glossary/field/)