"Fly the coop" - Explanation
The phrase "fly the coop" is an idiomatic expression in English. It means to escape or leave a place suddenly and often unexpectedly, especially when someone or something is trying to keep you in.
Usage Instructions:
You can use this phrase when talking about people who leave a situation, such as a job, a house, or a place where they feel trapped or restricted.
It is often used in informal contexts, so it's great for conversations with friends or in casual writing.
Example:
"After living at home for years, she finally decided to fly the coop and move into her own apartment."
"The kids were so excited to fly the coop when summer vacation started!"
Advanced Usage:
You might use it in more complex sentences or in storytelling to describe a character's decision to leave a difficult situation.
Example: "Feeling suffocated by the expectations of his family, he planned to fly the coop and travel the world."
Word Variants:
"Coop" - This word refers to a small enclosure for animals, such as chickens. The idea is that when animals "fly the coop," they are escaping from their confined space.
"Fly" - In this context, it means to leave quickly or to escape.
Different Meanings:
While "fly the coop" generally means to escape, the word "fly" can have other meanings, such as to move through the air or to operate an aircraft.
"Coop" can also refer to a small enclosure for any kind of small animals, not just chickens.
Synonyms:
Escape
Flee
Break free
Run away
Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Break out" - This means to escape from a place, such as a prison.
"Cut and run" - This means to leave quickly in order to avoid a difficult situation.
"Take to one's heels" - This means to run away quickly.
Summary:
"Fly the coop" is a fun, informal way to say that someone has left a place quickly, often to gain freedom or escape a situation.