Antonyms for the phrase "flew in the face of" include "aligned with," "complied with," "conformed to," and "obeyed." These words indicate a willingness to follow established conventions and norms, rather than bucking against them. They suggest a sense of orderliness, predictability, and stability, rather than chaos or rebellion. Antonyms for "flew in the face of" may be useful in contexts where one wants to emphasize the importance of conformity, cooperation, or respect for authority. Whether one chooses to embrace or reject societal expectations is a choice that individuals must make for themselves.