flight of fancy: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘flight of fancy’ mean?
The idiom "flight of fancy" refers to an impractical or extravagant idea or notion, often involving imagination or dreaming, that is unlikely to be accomplished in reality.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "pie-in-the-sky" refers to something that is unrealistic or unlikely to happen. It describes a situation or idea that may seem appealing or enticing, but is not practical or achievable in reality.
The idiom "go fly a kite" is an informal way of telling someone to go away or to leave you alone, often used when you are annoyed or frustrated with them.
The idiom "fly too close to the sun" refers to the Greek myth of Icarus, who ignored warnings and flew too high, resulting in his downfall. It means to take excessive risks or pursue ambitions without considering the potential consequences.
The idiom "fly the coop" means to escape or leave a place abruptly, often used to refer to someone leaving a difficult or confining situation quickly.
The idiom "fly out of the traps" means to start or move quickly, often with enthusiasm or energy. It is typically used to describe a person or thing that begins a race or competition swiftly.
The idiom "fly off at a tangent" means to suddenly change the subject or direction of a conversation or thought without any apparent reason or connection.
The idiom "fly off" means to leave or depart quickly, often with great speed or urgency.
The idiom "fly low" means to behave in a discreet or secretive manner, usually to avoid attention or detection.
The idiom "fly in the ointment" refers to a small but significant flaw or issue that spoils something positive or favorable. It symbolizes how even a small problem can greatly detract from the overall enjoyment or success of a situation.
The idiom "flying visit" means a short and quick visit to a place, usually without staying for a long time.
Uncovering Mythical Origins
The idiom "flight of fancy" is an expression used to describe a whimsical or extravagant idea, plan, or thought that is unrealistic or unlikely to be realized. It connotes a departure from reality into a realm of imagination or fantasy.
The term first appeared in the early 19th century, primarily in British English. Although its exact origins are unknown, it can be traced back to literary works of the time, such as Jane Austen's novel "Emma" published in 1815. In the novel, the character Mr. Knightley criticizes Emma for her flight of fancy in regards to matchmaking.
The phrase "flight of fancy" combines the words "flight" and "fancy." In this idiom, "flight" metaphorically represents the act of escaping the boundaries of reality and entering a realm of imagination. "Fancy" refers to a whimsical or extravagant idea or inclination, often associated with imagination or creativity.
The idiom is commonly used to express an unrealistic or impractical idea, plan, or thought. It implies that the idea is not grounded in reality and may be purely the product of imagination or wishful thinking. It is frequently employed in discussions about creativity, imagination, daydreaming, and unrealistic expectations.
The idiom "flight of fancy" has become firmly established in the English language, serving as a reminder of the power of imagination and the allure of exploring fantastical ideas that may never take flight in reality.
Related idioms to "flight of fancy" include "castle in the air" and "pie-in-the-sky." Both idioms share the concept of unrealistic ideas or plans.
A "castle in the air" refers to an extravagant or impractical fantasy or plan. It evokes the image of a grand castle floating in the sky, which is impossible in reality. The idiom is often used to describe dreams or ambitions that are unlikely to be achieved.
A "pie-in-the-sky" is a term used to describe an overly optimistic or unrealistic idea or plan. It originated from the concept of a pie floating in the sky, representing something that is impossible or unlikely to happen. It is often used to criticize ideas or plans that are not grounded in reality.
Another related idiom is "fly off," which means to leave or depart quickly. While it does not directly relate to the concept of unrealistic ideas, it shares the idea of sudden and swift departure, which can be associated with flights of fancy.
"fly by the seat of one's pants" is an idiom commonly used to describe acting or making decisions without a plan or preparation. It conveys a sense of improvisation or relying on instinct rather than careful consideration. While it does not specifically refer to unrealistic ideas, the idea of acting without a plan can be seen as a departure from reality.
"away with the fairies" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is lost in their own thoughts or daydreaming. It suggests that the person's mind is not fully present and is instead in a realm of imagination or fantasy. This idiom shares the idea of departing from reality, similar to a flight of fancy.
The idiom "flight of fancy" is a common expression used to describe unrealistic or fanciful ideas, plans, or thoughts. It originated in the early 19th century and has since become firmly established in the English language. Related idioms such as "castle in the air," "pie-in-the-sky," "fly off," "fly by the seat of one's pants," and "away with the fairies" further emphasize the concept of departing from reality and entering a realm of imagination.
Example usage
Examples:
- She often indulges in flights of fancy, imagining herself as a famous actress.
- His ideas for the project were just flights of fancy, without any practical application.
- During boring meetings, he would drift off into flights of fancy, daydreaming about tropical vacations.
Analysis:
The idiom "flight of fancy" is used to describe a highly imaginative or unrealistic idea or thought. It implies that someone is engaging in a whimsical, unrestrained, or fantastical mental activity rather than adhering to practical or realistic thinking.
In the first example, the speaker suggests that the person being described often engages in flights of fancy, indicating that they frequently indulge in fanciful or imaginative thoughts.
In the second example, the idiom is used to convey that the ideas presented by the person were unrealistic and lacked practicality.
The third example portrays someone drifting off into flights of fancy during boring meetings, indicating their tendency to daydream and escape into imaginative scenarios.
Overall, the idiom "flight of fancy" is used to describe instances where someone's thoughts or ideas become fanciful, imaginative, or divorced from reality.
More "Imagination" idioms
