any of various plants, especially of the genera Silene and Lychnis, having a viscid secretion on the stem and calyx in which small insects are sometimes caught.
Origin
1590-1600; from phrase catch (the) fly
British Dictionary definitions for catch flies
catchfly
/ˈkætʃˌflaɪ/
noun (pl) -flies
1.
any of several caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Silene that have sticky calyxes and stems on which insects are sometimes trapped
Slang definitions & phrases for catch flies
catch flies
verb phrase
To distract the audience's attention from another performer by making unnecessary gestures and motions (1940s+ Theater)