fly the coop: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fly the coop’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
"Take flight" is an idiom that means to leave or escape from a situation or place rapidly, usually out of fear, danger, or a desire to avoid something unpleasant.
The idiom "let someone go" means to allow someone to leave or end a relationship, usually in a work context, such as firing an employee or ending a romantic relationship.
The idiom "let fly" means to release or throw something forcefully or with great speed. It can also refer to speaking or expressing oneself freely and without restraint.
The idiom "leave home" means to go away from one's house or childhood home, usually to live independently or start a new chapter in one's life.
The idiom "head for the hills" means to quickly run away or escape from a dangerous or threatening situation.
In popular culture, the idiom "has left the building" is used to indicate that someone has departed or left a place, often in a dramatic or significant manner.
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.
"Fleeing Feathered Confinement"
The idiom "fly the coop" has origins in the 19th century United States. It is commonly used to mean escaping or leaving a place quickly, often with a sense of liberating oneself.
The term "coop" refers to a chicken coop, which is a small enclosed space where chickens are kept. When chickens are allowed to leave the coop, they are free to roam and explore. This idiom draws on the image of chickens leaving the coop to represent individuals seeking freedom or independence.
One theory suggests that the idiom may have been influenced by the behavior of chickens. When a chicken senses danger or wants to escape confinement, it may attempt to fly off from the coop. This behavior could be seen as symbolic of an individual's desire to break free from a restrictive or unpleasant situation.
Another related idiom that can be used to describe the action of leaving quickly is "take flight". Just like when a bird takes flight from its nest, "fly the coop" refers to individuals making a quick exit from a place.
While the exact origin of the idiom remains uncertain, its meaning and usage have remained consistent. The phrase is often used in informal contexts and is understood by native English speakers to convey a sense of escape or departure.
The idiom "fly the coop" has been commonly used in the English language for many years. It appears in various forms, including "flee the coop" and "fly out of the coop." The expression is frequently used in conversation, literature, and other forms of media to convey a sense of escape or departure.
In addition to "take flight", another related idiom is "fly off". Just like when a bird flies off from its perch, "fly the coop" refers to individuals leaving quickly and abruptly.
While the exact origins of the phrase remain unclear, its meaning and usage have remained consistent over time. The idiom continues to be used in modern English, with its figurative meaning well understood by speakers.
Just as a bird flies off from its current location, individuals who "fly the coop" are seeking to escape a restrictive or unpleasant situation. This idiom provides a colorful and concise way to express the concept of seeking liberation or independence.
The idiom "fly the coop" originated in the 19th century United States and is commonly used to mean escaping or leaving a place quickly. It draws on the image of chickens leaving a coop to represent individuals seeking freedom or independence. The phrase is often used in informal contexts and is understood by native English speakers to convey a sense of escape or departure.
In addition to "take flight", another related idiom that can be used to describe the action of leaving quickly and abruptly is "fly off". Just like when a bird flies off from its perch, "fly the coop" refers to individuals making a speedy exit from a place. Both of these idioms capture the idea of escaping or departing quickly.
While the exact origin of the idiom remains uncertain, its meaning and usage have remained consistent. The phrase is frequently used in conversation, literature, and other forms of media to convey a sense of escape or departure. It continues to be used by English speakers to express the concept of seeking liberation or independence.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "fly the coop" can be used in a sentence:
- After finishing college, many young adults are ready to spread their wings and fly the coop.
- When the alarm rang, the burglars quickly realized it was time to fly the coop before getting caught.
- After years of working in the same job, Susan finally decided to fly the coop and pursue her passion.
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