Meaning of the word "as the crow flies" in English

What does "as the crow flies" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

as the crow flies

US /æz ðə kroʊ flaɪz/
UK /æz ðə krəʊ flaɪz/
"as the crow flies" picture

Idiom

in a straight line; by the shortest route

Example:
It's about ten miles from here to the city center as the crow flies, but much longer by road.
The two villages are only a mile apart as the crow flies.