What does “Away with the fairies” mean?
"Away with the fairies" means being not paying attention or being absent-minded.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I was away with the fairies during the meeting and missed most of what was said.
Example
She's always away with the fairies and forgets to do her chores.
Example
He's so away with the fairies that he didn't even notice when I walked into the room
Is “Away with the fairies” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Away with the fairies” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Away with the fairies” effectively in context?
You can use "Away with the fairies" to describe someone who is not paying attention or being absent-minded. It implies that their mind is elsewhere, as if they are lost in a fantasy world. For example, if a friend is daydreaming and not listening to what you're saying, you might say, 'Sorry, I was away with the fairies. Could you repeat that?'
- 1Meeting
I was away with the fairies during the meeting and missed most of what was said.
- 2Chores
She's always away with the fairies and forgets to do her chores.
- 3Presence
He's so away with the fairies that he didn't even notice when I walked into the room.
Similar phrases to “Away with the fairies”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Away with the fairies” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Away with the fairies" is unknown.
Is “Away with the fairies” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Away with the fairies" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to playfully describe someone who is not paying attention or is lost in their thoughts.
What tone does “Away with the fairies” have?
"Away with the fairies" conveys a tone of lightheartedness and mild amusement. It is usually used in a playful or teasing manner rather than a serious or critical one.
Can “Away with the fairies” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Away with the fairies" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a casual expression that is commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Sorry, I was away with the fairies and didn't hear what you said.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm always "away with the fairies"!' to imply absent-mindedness.
